PVC stabilizers are chemical additives that are added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to improve its processing and end-use properties.
There are two main types of PVC stabilizers:
Lead Stabilizers: Lead stabilizers were widely used in the past, but their use has declined due to health and environmental concerns. Lead stabilizers improve the heat stability and weather resistance of PVC.
Non-Lead Stabilizers: Non-lead stabilizers are used to replace lead stabilizers in PVC products. There are several types of non-lead stabilizers, including:
1.Calcium-Zinc stabilizers: These are commonly used in rigid PVC applications such as pipes, profiles, and window frames.
2.Tin stabilizers: Tin stabilizers are used in flexible PVC applications, such as cables, wires, and medical tubing.
3.Barium-Zinc stabilizers: These are used in PVC products that require improved heat stability, such as heat-sealing films and shrink films.
4.Other Liquid stabilizers: Liquid stabilizers are used in PVC products that require easy processing, such as flexible PVC sheets and films.
PVC stabilizers are used in a wide range of applications, including pipes, profiles, window frames, flooring, wires, cables, medical tubing, and packaging films.