Clariant has introduced a PVC lubricant derived from soya bean oil.
Licocare SBW11 TP is a chemically modified wax claimed to offer technical performance in PVC processing superior to that of the fatty acid esters or complex ester mixtures traditionally used for lubrication.
The lubricant is particularly suitable for the processing of rigid PVC compounds, says the company, especially for calcium/zinc (Ca/Zn) and tin (Sn) stabilised photovoltaic film and extrusion applications. The lubricant acts both externally and internally in the material.
Clariant cites several performance benefits:
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Release and anti-sticking better than with traditional lubricants;
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No mould deposits thanks to low volatility and good compatibility with PVC;
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Excellent thermal stability ensuring stable colour;
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Produces balanced rheological behaviour in material;
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Effective performance at low dosage (0.3 to 1.0 parts per hundred).
Licocare SBW11 TP can also be used as a lubricant in PVC injection moulding. Here, says the company, “flowability” is significantly improved with less influence on the Vicat softening temperature than that of traditional lubricants. As a result, Clariant claims Licocare SBW11 TP can achieve better dimensional stability for the injection moulded product.