Stabilizers are a class of chemical additives commonly added to polymeric materials, such as plastics, to inhibit or retard their degradation. Polymers can be subject to various degradation processes, including oxidation, UV-damage, thermal degradation, ozonolysis, or combinations thereof like photo-oxidation. These processes all degrade the polymer on a chemical level, leading to chain scission that can adversely affect its mechanical properties such as strength and malleability, as well as its appearance and colour.
PVC Stabilisers are added either directly into PVC or in combination to prevent oxidation, chain scission, uncontrolled recombination, and cross-linking reactions caused by photo oxidation. Essentially, they protect PVC from the harmful effects of extreme temperature and ultraviolet radiations. PVC Stabilisers are of different types like Heat Stabilisers which are mainly used in Construction projects.
The global PVC stabilizers market is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.90% during the forecast period, 2018-2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market among other regions, supported by the growing automotive & electronics industry in countries, like China and India. Building & construction is expected to dominate the consumption of PVC stabilizers through the forecast period.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most important commercial plastic materials, but it is thermally unstable at processing temperature and hence, the processing of PVC at elevated temperatures requires the use of stabilizers.
PVC stabilizers are used in various PVC applications such as pipes & fittings, window profiles, rigid & semi-rigid films, wire & cables, coatings & flooring, and others. PVC pipes & fittings application is the largest market for PVC stabilizers globally.
