Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) plastisols based on low-migration polymeric plasticizers

The analysis of the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plast isols formulated with low-toxicity polymeric plasticizers is reported. Dyna mic and isothermal thermogravimetric analyses are applied to study the beha vior of these materials at high temperatures and to evaluate their degradat ion kinetics. The results used for the optimization of the processing condi tions, in particular the cure time and temperature, to maximize the thermal stability of the plastisol. The optimum plasticizer concentration is also determined. TGA results have been used to determine the parameters of the d egradation kinetic model using Friedman and Horowitz methods. A comparison with the thermal behavior of traditional plastisols normally employed in in dustrial applications is reported. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.