Current Trends in PVC

A hot new area for research and development in rigid PVC (and HDPE as well) centers on the incorporation of high percentages of WOOD FLOUR as a filler into the resin during extrusion, resulting in wood-like profiles that can be sawed, nailed, and screwed just like natural wood, but without the negatives of splintering and decay. Many potential markets are ready to open up--some have already-- as this technology becomes more refined and more widely available.

Also recently available, complete modules of hollow rigid PVC profiles, fitted together with tongue-and groove and concrete filled, provide low cost very durable rot-proof, hurricane proof, and earthquake proof housing for third world areas.

Environmental Concerns

In 1973, some PVC production workers who had been exposed to massive doses of VCM in cleaning out polymerization reactors for a 15-17 year period were found to have a rare liver cancer; angiosarcoma. The US EPA , NIOSH, and the PVC industry took rapid and thorough steps to reduce-and monitor- worker VCM exposure
down to single digit parts per million, and PVC resin production added steam-stripping prior to drying in order to ship virtually VCM-free PVC resin to customers.

Toxic heavy metals used in PVC stabilizers and pigments have been removed and are still being removed as viable alternatives are found. These include Lead, Cadmium, and Strontium. Calcium, Zinc, Barium, Phosphites, Epoxy Oils, Organo-tins, and All Organic stabilizers are the currently used stabilizers in PVC compounds.

However, PVC issues remain "active", as Greenpeace and others continue to attack ALL uses of Chlorine and especially PVC--the largest user of Chlorine.


Editors Note:
PVC continues to be a controversial material with extreme charges from both sides. Plastics.com feels that anyone interested in the environmental issues here should look deeply into the details. A group of PVC industry workers supplies a links page with links to both sides of the issue;
www.ping.be/chlorophiles