Optimizing New PVC Additives in B&C

TAGS:  PVC and Sustainability    

PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) and most importantly related compounded additives find widespread use in the global Building and Construction (B&C) market. The U.S. B&C market including the important rehab segment remains strong, with Europe more gradual in growth, and the rest of the world steady.

Data from the American Chemistry Council shows PVC resin sales for vinyl flooring manufacture during 2019 was more than twice as high as two years back in 2017 that was already a good growth year. Growth in luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) is one of the contributors to this good result.

In addition, sales of PVC for extruded windows and doors were up by 20% and for in fencing and decking up by 15%.

Let’s take a brief look at some PVC additive technologies that are being optimized for use in the global B&C market.

Ultimate Protection for Outdoor PVC Applications

PVC finds use in window profiles, roller shutters, sidings, hollow soffits, and rain gutters. What these outdoor PVC applications have in common is that they are exposed to extreme weather conditions namely, moisture accumulation that reacts in the compounded resin, high UV (Ultra Violet) solar radiation that causes reactions with water or oxygen, and repeated summer heat with 80°C plus temperatures, all ultimately leading to PVC degradation.


White PVC products are very resistant to heat and light because of the excellent reflective properties of the commonly used Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment. Dark colors, such as browns or greys, are subject to bleaching and discoloration over time that result in PVC chemical structure changes. Joint applied research by Baerlocher and Chemours have developed new formulations for grey and brown PVC profiles to neutralize this challenge, using calcium-based heat stabilizers and TiO₂ pigments.

As a white pigment, TiO₂ is widely known as part of the formulation of white PVC products, imparting whiteness, brightness and high opacity. Its ability to absorb UV light can significantly improve the weatherability and durability of white-colored polymer products.

In dark-colored grey or brown PVC B&C applications TiO₂ is usually blended with carbon black as well as red, yellow and black pigment to achieve the optimum color. By using small amounts of TiO₂ in all dark-colored PVC articles the core PVC matrix gains extra weathering protection. An undesired PVC feature is that pure TiO₂ produces reactive photo radicals at its untreated surface. To prevent photo radical formation, outdoor TiO₂ pigments in PVC are surface treated with inorganic oxides such as silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide that in turn provides a needed extra energy barrier.

Baerlocher's Heat Stabilizer & Chemours' TiO₂ Pigment for UV Exposed PVC Applications

Recent development results from market leading PVC heat stabilizer supplier Baerlocher and key TiO₂ manufacturer Chemours in dark-colored PVC applications strongly suggest that fine-tuned compound formulations are the optimized way to go.

By combining both heat stabilizers and TiO₂ pigments, substantial weathering resistance improvement is achieved. The fine tuning further involves optimizing the levels of critical stabilizer components such as acid scavengers, co-stabilizers and internal and external lubricants. Finally, one further optimization for improved weatherability involves selecting high end calcium-based stabilizer grades for superior heat and light stability.

Proceeding further, PVC additive supplier Baerlocher has additional wide-ranging capabilities for customizing additive blends to optimize PVC applications. A good example is its one-packs, which feature Baerolub™ lubricants and Baeropan stabilizers together with other additives, and are specifically tailored to individual customer requirements. Baerlocher also has developed an expanding product line of single-component Baerolub™ lubricants for converters and compounders choosing to captively formulate in-house.

Baerlocher has also developed a next-generation Baeropan stabilization technology for the wear layer of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) that delivered non-yellowing color and excellent transparency, without using traditional but potentially hazardous barium chemicals. The UV stabilizer technology is based on calcium and zinc.



Baerlocher’s Baeropan UV and Baerolub™ lubricant additive systems are used across a broad range of rigid PVC B&C uses that include siding, pipe, and window profiles. Baerolub™ lubricants aid in increasing plastic processing efficiency by reducing PVC melt viscosity. Baeropan UV stabilizers are long lasting in nature and deliver outstanding outdoor weatherability resistance. Baerlocher additive systems are available to customers as single component grades, or one pack blend systems incorporating multiple additive types.

Emery Oleochemicals' Renewable Lubricants

Emery Oleochemicals’ Loxiol® lubricants are highly biodegradable, 100% renewable content based, deliver high flow capability, and ease of regulatory approval to PVC compounds. Emery Oleochemicals has a 175 plus year commitment in manufacturing bio-based products. Combination internal and external lubricant systems not only reduce internal PVC melt viscosity, but also eliminate PVC melt sticking on plastic processing equipment. Additionally, Loxiol® lubricants provide outstanding surface gloss and transparency.

Commercially Available Light Stabilizer Grades for PVC