Processing aids for PVC are acrylic-based polymers that, as their name suggests, help make PVC processing easier and more uniform. They promote fusion, improving the surface finish and gloss of finished products.
PVC processing aids are used primarily in rigid PVC, but in general, they are useful because they significantly reduce production stoppages and prevent excessive adhesion to the metal parts of processing equipment.
Our high-molecular-weight grades increase torque during processing as well as the melt temperature, which can benefit clients by producing foamed parts.
Lower-molecular-weight grades help achieve fusion without the need for high processing temperatures. As part of this improved fusion, lumps or surface defects in PVC are greatly reduced. Processing aids also help achieve greater transparency in PVC for transparent applications.
When using PVC processing aids, it is recommended to maintain a well-balanced lubrication system, as acrylic-based aids tend to significantly increase melt viscosity and can lead to rapid thermal degradation if a proper stabilizer is not included.
