Additives & Stabilizers
in PVC Compounding
Document No: TEC-PVC-002 | March 2026
Technical Reference Document
Section Topic Page
1 Why PVC Needs Additives 2
2 Heat Stabilizers 2
3 Lubricants 3
4 Processing Aids 3
5 Impact Modifiers 4
6 Fillers & Pigments 4
7 Additive Interaction Summary 5
8 References 5
Confidential – For Internal / Technical Use Only
Additives & Stabilizers in PVC Compounding TEC-PVC-002
1. Why PVC Needs Additives
Pure PVC resin begins to decompose at temperatures as low as 100 °C — well below typical processing
temperatures of 160–200 °C — releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas, which accelerates autocatalytic
degradation, leading to discolouration (yellow → orange → black) and loss of mechanical properties.
A carefully balanced additive package is therefore not optional but mandatory. Each component fulfils a specific
technical role; incorrect dosage of even one ingredient can lead to product failure, machine corrosion or regulatory
non-compliance.
2. Heat Stabilizers
Heat stabilisers are the most critical additive in PVC. They act by replacing labile allylic chlorine atoms, scavenging
released HCl, and quenching free radicals to interrupt the degradation cascade.
2.1 Major Stabilizer Systems Compared
Stabilizer Type Typical Dose (phr) Key Advantage Main Limitation
Lead-based (Pb) 1.5 – 4.0 Excellent heat stability, low cost Toxic (ROHS restricted)
Ca/Zn 1.5 – 3.5 Non-toxic, food-contact grades Slightly lower stability vs. Pb
Organotin (OT) 0.5 – 2.0 Crystal-clear, high efficiency Costly; environmental concerns
Ba/Zn 1.5 – 3.5 Good colour hold Ba toxicity concerns
Ca/Mg/Zn (polymer) 1.5 – 3.0 Halogen-free, REACH compliant Higher cost
Ca/Zn systems are now the global standard for rigid UPVC pipe manufacture due to REACH/RoHS compliance.
They are synergised with co-stabilisers such as epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO), β-diketones and hydrotalcites to
extend the stability window.
3. Lubricants
Lubricants control friction at two levels: between PVC particles and metal surfaces (external lubrication) and
between PVC molecular chains (internal lubrication). An imbalanced lubricant system is one of the most common
causes of processing problems.
3.1 Internal vs. External Lubricants
Type Common Examples Primary Action Typical Dose (phr)
Internal Stearic acid, GMS, OPE wax Reduce melt viscosity 0.3 – 0.8
External Paraffin wax, PE wax, E-wax Reduce metal adhesion 0.2 – 0.6
Bifunctional Ester wax (e.g. OP wax) Both internal & external 0.3 – 0.7
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Additives & Stabilizers in PVC Compounding TEC-PVC-002
4. Processing Aids (PA)
Processing aids are high-molecular-weight acrylic copolymers (PMMA-based, Mw 500,000–5,000,000 g/mol) that
accelerate gelation, improve melt strength, enhance surface gloss and facilitate bubble collapse in foam
applications.
• Typical loading: 0.5–1.5 phr for rigid pipe/profile
• Higher MW grades improve melt strength for foam/blow moulding
• PA reduces the energy input required for complete gelation — critical for preventing shark-skin and melt
fracture
• Common trade names: Paraloid K-120N, Degussa Degalan, Rohm Acryloid
5. Impact Modifiers
Rigid PVC is inherently brittle at low temperatures. Impact modifiers form a rubber-like dispersed phase (0.1–0.5
µm domains) that absorbs impact energy by crazing and shear yielding.
5.1 Common Impact Modifier Types
Type Abbr. Dose (phr) Best Application
Chlorinated Polyethylene CPE 5 – 12 Pipes, profiles, general rigid
Acrylic Impact Modifier AIM 3–8 Weatherable profiles, clear PVC
MBS (Core-Shell) MBS 3–8 Transparent / clear applications
EVA Copolymer EVA 5 – 10 Flexible PVC blends
6. Fillers & Pigments
Calcium carbonate (CaCO■) is the universal filler for rigid PVC, used at 5–20 phr for pipes and up to 60 phr for
rigid profiles. Surface-treated grades (stearic acid coated) integrate better into the matrix and do not blunt impact
resistance as severely as untreated grades.
• TiO■ (rutile grade): 2–6 phr for whiteness and UV opacity — critical for outdoor pipes
• Carbon black masterbatch: 0.5–2 phr for black pressure pipes (UV stabilisation)
• Particle size D50 of CaCO■: 1–3 µm for pipe grade; <1 µm for premium profile
7. Additive Interaction Summary
Interaction Effect Action
Ca/Zn + ESBO Synergistic stability Standard combination
Excess external lubricant Plate-out on screws/die Reduce external lube dose
Excess CaCO■ + low stabiliser
Accelerated degradation (acid catalysis) Increase stabiliser 0.2–0.5 phr
AIM + organotin Excellent UV + impact Preferred for clear profiles
High CPE + low PA Rough surface, poor gloss Increase PA by 0.3 phr
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Additives & Stabilizers in PVC Compounding TEC-PVC-002
8. References
[1] SpecialChem. (2025). PVC Heat Stabilizers: Role, Types and Ingredient Selection. [Link]
[2] TLD Vietnam. (2024). The Critical Role of Heat Stabilizers for PVC Applications.
[3] Hairuite Chemical. (2025). PVC Additives Used in PVC Profile. [Link]
[4] Hywax. (2024). PVC Compounding Explained: Formulation, Additives & Techniques.
[5] World Research Library. (2024). PVC Compounding: Preparation, Physical and Chemical Properties.
[6] Loyal Chemical. (2022). PVC Stabilizer Overview. [Link]
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