The PVC global market size in 2000 was around 25,400 kt. Pipes and fittings constitute the largest volume application at 36% of the marketplace with profiles at 13%. Thus, PVC is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. This overview covers the basics of PVC formulation and processing, while extending the information to include the latest developments in materials and technology. This makes the report accessible and useful to all levels of industry. PVC is of low thermal stability and high melt viscosity. Therefore, it is combined with a number of additives to vary properties to suit different end-use applications. PVC formulation is key to processing success. This review looks at the different additive types available, their uses and new developments. The main groups of additives are: heat stabilisers, plasticisers, impact modifiers, process aids, lubricants, fillers, flame retardants, pigments, blowing agents, biocides, viscosity modifiers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, antifogging agents and bonding agents. Formulation changes are being driven by legislation banning heavy metals and possible health risks from additives such as phthalate plasticisers. PVC compounding methods are considered here. There are many different ways of processing PVC: extrusion, calendering, injection moulding, extrusion/stretch blow moulding, spreading/coating, rotational moulding, dip moulding and slush moulding. The technology is covered in this report. Fabrication and treatment of PVC are also reviewed, for example surface modification to enhance biocompatibility and reduce plasticiser migration. The PVC industry has been under intense scrutiny in recent years due to health and environmental safety concerns. The industry has responded proactively to these pressures by reviewing practice and undertaking research into ways of reducing all

types of risk. Sustainability issues have also been addressed and many different recycling projects have been set up. Legislation is driving this work forward with EU Directives on such issues as disposal of end-of-life vehicles. Over 400 references from recent literature are cited in the review, which is accompanied by abstracts from the Polymer Library, to facilitate further reading. A subject index and a company index are included. Key features…; additives; processing; fabrication and treatment; environment, health and safety. Save 20% when you buy 2 or more titles in the Rapra Review Report Series (Volume 9 onwards). Just enter promotional code RRR20 when you get to the shopping cart. Please click here to see the full list of reports available.