{"id":1219,"date":"2021-01-13T11:09:46","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T11:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chemicaladditives.com.mx\/?p=1219"},"modified":"2026-09-28T16:06:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T22:06:15","slug":"que-son-los-lubricantes-para-pvc-y-para-que-sirven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chemicaladditives.com.mx\/en\/what-are-lubricants-for-pvc-and-what-are-they-used-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What are PVC lubricants and what are they used for?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What are PVC lubricants and what are they used for?<\/h2>\n

It may be generally agreed that this particular topic is one of the most complex in the world of PVC<\/strong>. This group of additives covers several aspects to consider, and what is presented in the literature often differs significantly from reality when formulating.<\/p>\n

As we've mentioned in other articles, PVC requires additives to become a functional plastic. Some of these additives fall into several categories: plasticizers, thermal stabilizers and\u00a0lubricants<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n

When we talk about a lubrication system, we usually refer to a group of additives that affect the rheology of a non-Newtonian flow plastic when it is being processed.<\/p>\n

During the transformation process, commonly in extrusion, factors such as torque, compression, temperature, and the viscosity of the formulated melt play a major role in the fusion of the polymer. In PVC<\/strong>, this term refers to when the material has been properly processed, exhibits a good surface finish, and its physical and mechanical properties have reached an optimal point. Failure to achieve this usually results in a non-conforming product for the end user.<\/p>\n

Concepts related to PVC lubrication<\/h2>\n

Fusion is very complex to achieve because the lubrication system designed by the formulator must consider \"Lubricants<\/a>both the formulation and the type of conversion process. Formulating a rigid, opaque formula intended for making pipes via extrusion is not the same as injecting semi-rigid blender parts.<\/p>\n

Another factor involved here is melt flow, which the production manager will want to consider to maintain productivity on their production lines and ensure proper process control with minimal downtime. An overly lubricated formula will have high melt flow and often fusion problems because the material, instead of being worked, will slip inside the equipment. Conversely, an under-lubricated material can stick to the equipment and burn, generating significant waste or scrap.<\/p>\n

PVC lubricants<\/strong> are divided into three categories based on their polarity with PVC<\/strong>: internal, external, and internal\/external. Internal lubricants promote proper fusion without the need to increase the melt temperature by reducing friction and enhancing flow. External lubricants typically delay fusion but help prevent the polymer from sticking to the equipment and improve surface finish. The last category provides an intermediate effect between the two.<\/p>\n

Polarity should be understood as the compatibility of PVC with certain materials according to their molecular structure and their ability to be absorbed by the polymer matrix. Internal lubricants are usually short carbon chains, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, or mono- and diglycerides (GMS, GMO \u2014 glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monooleate), which are generally excellent for maintaining transparency. External lubricants are typically hydrocarbons or high-molecular-weight waxes that are incompatible with the PVC matrix and migrate to the polymer\u2013metal interface (barrel, screw, die), reducing adhesion and therefore delaying fusion. Other types of lubricants include\u00a0stearates, amides, stearic acid, paraffin waxes<\/strong>, among others.<\/p>\n

The formulator should remember that the key to a proper lubrication system lies not only in selecting the correct ingredients and their types, but also in understanding their interaction with each other and with the rest of the additives used. It is important to note that PVC additives<\/strong>, such as thermal stabilizers<\/strong> and plasticizers<\/strong>, have a significant effect on lubrication.<\/p>\n

There are PVC lubricants<\/strong> that, in addition to their effect during processing, serve a secondary function. Some examples include release agents, antiblocking agents, and antistatic additives.<\/p>\n

PVC lubricants can be liquid, powder or flakes depending on their nature. There is a preference for one over another based on your company's handling and feeding system.<\/p>\n

If you need assistance with this, our technical team at Chemical Additives can advise you and offer our available lubricants. Also, if you don't require PVC formulation and prefer a compound, you can purchase it through our sister company\u00a0Chemical Compounds.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Chemical Additives de M\u00e9xico, S.A. de C.V..<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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