Additives for vinyl floors

Additives for PVC vinyl flooring — top coat, wear layer and foam layer

A vinyl floor is actually several materials stacked together. The heavily loaded underlayment has to fuse together despite the filler; the foam layer relies on a precise activator to create an even cell structure; and the clear top coat requires a clean, phenol-free, REACH-compliant stabilizer. None of the three layers are formulated the same way.

At Chemical Additives we maintain in national warehouse the additives for floors: PVC resins K76 (H10) and K76, liquid stabilizers CaZn (LTX-960 PF, LTX-757) and powder (MW-188), azodicarbonamide with its kicker (LOX-0180) and epoxidized soy, in partial batches.

We deliver in smaller quantities or by full container at a preferential price, with immediate supply and layer-by-layer reproducibility.

Sub-applications within vinyl flooring

Top coat (transparent top coat)

It's the outer layer that faces wear and tear: it defines resistance to stains, scratches, and cleaning products. Because it's transparent, any yellowing or seepage of the stabilizer becomes immediately visible, so it's formulated with a phenol-free liquid stabilizer.

Wear layer

A high-traffic, transparent layer that absorbs floor abrasion. Its clarity depends on proper fusion, and color retention throughout its lifespan depends on the stabilizing system.

Foam layer / cushion vinyl

Foamed plastisol provides cushioning, sound insulation, and lower weight per square meter. The foaming agent generates the gas that lowers the density, the activator controls the temperature at which it is released, and the microspheres maintain the cell's uniformity: all three work together, because an irregular cell results in marks and depressions in the finished floor.

LVT modular flooring

Vinyl tiles and planks with a layered structure, where a rigid, heavily loaded core is combined with decorative and wear layers. The core requires a rigid package—stabilizing agents, impact modifiers, and processing aids—because the high loading level hinders fusion and compromises impact resistance; the top layers are formulated as plastisol. We cover both sides of the formula.

Additives for vinyl floors

Resins

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsNote
High-clarity pasteK76 (H10) PVC resinTop and wear layer
PastePVC resin K71, K76Foam layer and intermediate layers per casting
Low molecular weightK 56 PVC resinrigid core and heavily loaded tile

Thermal stabilization

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsComplianceSpecific application
Liquid CaZn without phenolLTX-960 PFFree of phenol, BPA and nonylphenol — REACH compliantTop layer of flooring; the product data sheet already positions it for floors, with weather resistance and transparency
Liquid CaZn under plate-outLTX-757Free of heavy metalsCalendered layers; less deposit on rollers
CaZn powderMW-188Free of phenol, BPA and nonylphenolIntermediate layers, floor moldings and mats; yields with a lower dose than a conventional CaZn
high purity CaZn powderMW-11Free of alkylphenols; FDA compliantLayers with the highest toxicological requirements
MgAlZn powderMW-33Free from alkylphenols; complies with EN 71-3Floor intended for children's, school or hospital areas
REACH grade liquid BaZnLOX-368-HRFFree from alkylphenols and SVHCsApartment for export to Europe
BaZn low odor liquidLOX-E068-HCalifornia Prop 65 — BPA freeLayers where residual floor odor is critical
low viscosity liquid BaZnLOX-4M-40Phthalate-freeFoam-coated plastisol; facilitates spreading without increasing the density of the paste
Liquid BaZn with maximum thermal stabilityLOX-901-NHVery low phenol content; phthalate-free and low volatile.Transparent layers that demand the highest color retention

Foam (cushion layer)

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsNote
foaming agentAC-7000Foam layer / cushion vinyl; generates the gas that lowers the density. Its fine particle size (3–5 microns) forms a uniform, crack-free cell.
MicrosphereMicrosphereIt is used in conjunction with the AC-7000: it maintains a uniform cell structure, prevents cracking and collapse, and reduces yellowing.
Activator (kicker)LOX-0180It controls azodicarbonamide activation and cell size.

Plasticization / co-stabilization

FunctionChemical Additives Products
PlasticizerDOTP, DOP, TOTM
Co-stabilizerEpoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO)

Antimicrobial / antifungal protection

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Antimicrobial agentZinc pyrithioneInhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi on flooring installed in damp areas—bathrooms, kitchens, service areas—and on carpets and floor coverings; prevents stains, bad odors, and degradation

Optical brightener

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Optical brightenerOptical brightenerIn transparent layers (top coat and wear layer) it enhances the visual appeal of the finished floor; in the rigid core of the LVT it corrects the yellowish tone caused by calcium carbonate, combined with titanium dioxide

Additives for the rigid core of LVT

Stabilization of the rigid core

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
CaZn rigid one-pack packageUA-1199 MX WT, LC-8228MRigid extruded core; replaces tin, lubricants, antioxidants and co-stabilizers in a single package
Methyl tinRT-198Stabilization of the rigid core when seeking to maintain appearance and low odor

UV protection of the exposed layer

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
UV absorberUV ABSORB P, UV ABSORBER 3CRequired when the stabilizing system of the exposed layer is tin: prevents the formation of chromophores and yellowing

Impact modification

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
MBS for opaqueLB-156High impact efficiency on opaque indoor products — the case of LVT
Impact with CPECPE-135-AIt provides impact resistance and cold flexibility.
ABSIM-812Greater resistance to low-temperature impact

Process aids

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Process helpPA-912, AID-LP 175They promote gelation and melt strength, improve flow and output, and widen the processing window in a highly loaded compound.
High molecular weight process aidPA 970Necessary when the core foams: it maintains melt strength and stabilizes the cell

Foamed core (lightened cores)

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
foaming agentAC-7000It reduces core density and lowers weight per square meter.
Activator (kicker)LOX-0180It controls the activation temperature and optimizes the use of the foaming agent.

Lubrication and finishing

Function in formulationChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
External waxes and lubricantsLS-1608-AH, HB-310, MB 100, EBSMelt control and surface finish
Optical brightenerOptical brightenerThe high calcium carbonate content of the core tends to yellow the piece; combined with titanium dioxide, it restores the white color.

Applicable regulations and certifications

RuleApplicable Chemical AdditivesRelevance
REACH — SVHC-freeLOX-368-HRFApartment for export to Europe
Phenol/alkylphenol freeLTX-960PF, MW-188, MW-11, MW-33Growing demand for interior products and school or hospital spaces
California Prop 65 — BPA freeLOX-E068-HNorth American market
FDAMW-11Layers with the highest toxicological requirements
EN 71-3MW-33, DOTPFloor designated for children's areas or nurseries
Phthalate-freeLOX-4M-40, LOX-901-NHPhthalate-free indoor product
Dimensional stability and water absorption depend on proper fusion.

Why buy your additives from Chemical Additives

Immediate availability in national warehouse. Paste resins, stabilizers and foaming agents in stock for delivery within 24-72 hours in Mexico.

Partial lots or full container loads at preferential prices. We deliver in the quantity that suits your operation.

One-stop-shop for all flooring layers. Paste resin, stabilizers, foaming agent, activator, microspheres and epoxidizing with a single supplier.

Batch-to-batch consistency. In a layered product, a change in behavior between deliveries results in fusion and cell defects.

Backup in crisis. If your usual supplier experiences delays or changes specifications without notice, we'll cover you with qualified material within days.

Letters of compliance upon request. To back up the batch when your end customer requires it.

Common problems with vinyl flooring and how to fix them

Irregular cell size in the foamed layer.

Inadequate activation of azodicarbonamide results in uneven foaming. Recommendation: Use a suitable activator (kicker) to control the activation temperature and cell size. We will guide you on selection and dosage.

Dimensional changes and water absorption.

A poorly fused compound deforms and absorbs water. Recommendation: Improve fusion via resin selection and stabilizer dosage.

Top coat with yellowing or exudation.

Recommendation: In the top layer, a REACH-grade, phenol-free CaZn liquid stabilizer prevents the defect. Contact us to choose it.

The core of the floor comes out yellowish

In rigid cores with a high calcium carbonate content, the tone shifts towards yellow, and increasing the titanium dioxide only increases the opacity without correcting it. RecommendationThe whiteness is restored with the correct balance between titanium dioxide and optical brightener. We help you define it for your load level.

If you're climbing a new floor line, write to us.

Do you need additives for top coat, wear layer or foam layer?

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Does your volume not justify in-house formulation? Check out the Chemical Compounds portfolio. View portfolio.