STM501
A Complete Review of PVC Formulation
Introduction:
Poly(vinyl)chloride or PVC is one of the most versatile industrial polymers with applications ranging from soft blood bag or catheters used in operating rooms to very low temperature, high-impact performance profiles used in building construction or even food film packaging. PVC is certainly the most complex polymer, considering its degradation mode, and yet it holds outstanding inherent performances, like very high chemical resistance and flame retardancy. However, it cannot be transformed and used durably without a complete formulation process involving a large range of additives.
The last decade has seen the development of high performance additives that allow PVC to demonstrate unique characteristics comparable to other high cost engineering polymers and be processed in complex equipment without deterioration. The recent development of Biobased PVC (made from biomass) has launched a renewed interest in this old polymer, and the need to build high-performance applications requires a serious knowledge of additives.
Course Description:
This two-day short course covering PVC formulation and the complex use of additives and their synergies, taught by Dr. Stephane Girois, Ph.D., reviews PVC polymerization processes, structure defects, morphology, and degradation mechanisms. It includes a review of all additive families with formation recommendations, enabling a formulator to customize a PVC system to achieve desired performances and/or use PVC in a new process.
Course Outline:
Day 1