A Comparison of How Various PVC Polymer Types Differ in the Mixing Process and the Effect of Extrudates

Abstract

This presentation will review the function of lubricant additives in a PVC formulation.  Data will be presented to show how lubricants can influence clarity, color development and thermal stability as well as the more well known aspects of 'fusion time' and viscosity control.  Lubricants are one of several key ingredients in a PVC formulation that will ultimately determine the success, or challenges, a processor will need to address on a daily basis in manufacturing.

About the Speaker

Rob Decker is the Vice President for Norac Additives LLC, a Peter Greven Group Company. Norac Additives LLC is a producer of metallic stearates, specialty lubricants blends, and a line of heat stabilizers. Their products are used extensively by producers of PVC compounds, but also find use in other polymer and composite systems. Over the years Rob has had many different job titles, but most have been rooted in the technical side. This has allowed him to interface with the customer on different levels with the ultimate goal of developing unique solutions for their challenges.

Rob began his career, a little more than 25 years ago, in this industry as an intern at Henkel Corporation, which now exists as Emery Oleochemicals, working in the Plastics Additives Technical Service lab with PVC compounds. He eventually moved to Rohm & Haas / Dow Plastics Additives with a strong emphasis on the rigid foamed PVC market segment. Rob joined the Norac Additives team in 2013.

Rob earned a B.S. in Materials Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia. He likes to travel and has managed to get to 49 of the 50 States. An ideal weekend would be a gathering of family and friends around a campfire next to a body of water.