01Guide
How to read a calcium carbonate specification for PVC
Five numbers on a CaCO₃ data sheet explain most of how it will behave in a PVC compound.
- D50 (median particle size)
- Sets the average surface area available for wetting and affects stiffness and opacity. Finer D50 generally increases the demand for lubricant and coating quality.
- D97 (coarse tail)
- Indicates the coarse fraction. A high D97 can show up as surface defects or reduced impact strength, especially in thin sections and profiles. Compare D97, not just D50, between suppliers.
- Oil absorption
- Higher absorption means the filler takes up more plasticizer or lubricant, which influences how much the formulation must be rebalanced. Our Super-series grades list 23 g / 100 g.
- Whiteness and brightness
- Matter for colour and for how much titanium dioxide or pigment is required. The method and instrument should be stated, as here (Minolta, Japan).
- Coating (stearic acid %) and coverage
- On a coated grade, ask both for the stearic acid level and the percentage of surface coated. Our Super-C series lists 1.20 % and 100 %.
- Moisture and acid insoluble
- Moisture drives voids and surface defects in extrusion. Acid-insoluble content indicates mineral impurities such as silica.
02Guide
Selecting a PVC heat stabilizer: a short decision guide
Start from the product and the market, then narrow by chemistry. This table is a starting point for trials, not a recommendation.
Selecting a PVC heat stabilizer: a short decision guide
| If your product is… | Shortlist to evaluate | Questions to settle first |
|---|
| Rigid pipe, fittings, conduit | Lead-based one-pack; Ca/Zn one-pack; COPS for CPVC | Destination market rules on lead; potable-water standards; filler loading |
|---|
| Window / technical profile, siding, panels | Ca/Zn one-pack; tin; lead-based | Weathering and colour stability; surface finish |
|---|
| Foam board / Celuka | Ca/Zn or lead-based with foam-compatible lubricants | Foaming agent and lubricant balance |
|---|
| Cable insulation and sheathing | Lead-based or Ca/Zn with suitable plasticizer system | Electrical and thermal-ageing requirements; plasticizer type |
|---|
| Flexible film, sheet, leather cloth, flooring | Liquid Ba/Zn or Ca/Zn with ESBO | Odour, plate-out, transparency |
|---|
Always confirm suitability with a trial in your own formulation and process.
03Guide
Primary and secondary plasticizers, and reading a chlorinated paraffin grade code
A primary plasticizer does the plasticizing; a secondary plasticizer extends it. Both matter to cost and to the properties you need.
- Primary plasticizers
- DOP, odourless DOP and DBP are compatible with PVC at high ratios and set the basic flexibility of the compound.
- Secondary plasticizers
- Chlorinated paraffin is blended with a primary plasticizer to adjust cost, flame performance and other properties. It is used at lower ratios.
- Chlorinated paraffin grade code
- Letter = series (A or B). Digit = chlorine level: 1 ≈ 62 %, 2 ≈ 52 %, 3 ≈ 42 % w/w. B series is more viscous and less volatile than A at the same chlorine level.
- Compare on process, not only on name
- Volatile loss at 180 °C and thermal stability index tell you how a grade will behave under processing heat.
04Guide
Storage and handling quick reference
General good-practice guidance. The safety data sheet for your product always takes precedence.
Storage and handling quick reference
| Material | Storage | Handling note |
|---|
| Calcium carbonate (powder) | Cool, dry, covered, on pallets | Reseal opened bags; fine powder absorbs moisture and cakes |
|---|
| Plasticizers (DOP, DBP, ODOP) | Closed, clean, dry containers; away from heat and oxidisers | Dedicated transfer equipment; avoid moisture and contamination |
|---|
| Chlorinated paraffin | Closed containers; away from heat and ignition sources | Gentle warming eases flow of viscous grades; follow the SDS |
|---|
| Lead-based stabilizers | Labelled closed containers, access-controlled, dry | Avoid dust; wash facilities; no eating, drinking or smoking in the area |
|---|
| Ca/Zn and stearates (powder) | Cool, dry, closed bags | Limit dust; first-in first-out rotation |
|---|
| Liquid stabilizers, ESBO | Closed containers away from heat | Mix gently before use if the product separates; follow the SDS |
|---|
05Guide
Procurement checklist: what to ask any additives supplier
These are the questions we would want answered if we were buying. Use them with us and with anyone else.
- Is the supplier the manufacturer, an importer or a distributor, and who is the manufacturer of this grade?
- What is the country of origin, and can origin be stated on the documentation?
- Which documents are available: technical data sheet, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet?
- Are the specification values typical, or guaranteed limits per lot?
- Which test methods are referenced, and are they listed next to each value?
- Pack type, pack size, net weight, labelling and minimum order quantity.
- Lead time, stock position and how urgent orders are handled.
- Regulatory position of the grade in your destination market.
- Whether a pre-shipment sample can be supplied for approval.
06Downloads
Downloads
Only documents that exist are listed here.
Technical data sheets, certificates of analysis and safety data sheets are requested per grade. Request them with your quote.
07Reference
Glossary
- COA
- Certificate of analysis: lot-specific test results issued with a shipment.
- COPS
- Complete one-pack system: stabilizer and lubricant combined in one product.
- CP
- Chlorinated paraffin.
- D50 / D97
- Median particle size / size below which 97 % of particles fall.
- DOP / DBP
- Di-octyl phthalate / di-n-butyl phthalate plasticizers.
- ESBO
- Epoxidised soya bean oil.
- Hazen unit
- Platinum-cobalt colour scale used for near-colourless liquids.
- K.F.
- Karl Fischer titration for moisture.
- One-pack
- A pre-blended additive package dosed as a single product.
- SDS
- Safety data sheet.
- TDS
- Technical data sheet.