A tin stabilizer is a liquid made of an organotin mercaptide or carboxylate compound, commonly used for PVC heat stabilization. They offer enhanced transparency, thermal stability, color retention, and workability. It has several single and di alkyl salts combined in different ratios. The stabilizers essentially offer protection against heat damage during PVC processing.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most common synthesized plastic polymer after polypropylene and polyethylene. It is used in construction, automotive, packaging, and household furniture production. Flexible PVCs have been widely used to replace rubber in cable insulation, plumbing, and signage products.
How Stabilizers Work in PVC Production
The PVC manufacturing process involves using heat to soften the final product. The heated PVC needs to be stabilized to avoid decomposition that can arise from HCl being liberated from the PVC. Stabilizers are then used to enhance the productivity and resistance of the final product to weathering, heat aging, and light. This preserves the PVC’s appearance and makes it more durable. The choice of the stabilizer you use depends on the regulatory approval, technical requirements, and costs.
The PVC tin stabilizers can be used in injection and blow molding, extrusion, and calendaring processes. They are used to make bottles, molded fittings, credit cards, food containers, blister packs, hosepipes, films, and also in soft tube manufacturing industries. Another area where PVC tin stabilizers are critical is in the crystal PVC sheet manufacturing industry.
It is crucial to understand that tin stabilizers are not friendly to human skin, which is why they are not allowed for processes that require body contact. In the food industry, manufacturers can only use tin stabilizers in small concentrations (approximately 2%), as per regulatory guidelines. You can also use tin stabilizers to replace toxic stabilizers used in PVC compounds earlier.
Types of Tin Stabilizers
Most tin stabilizers contain between 6.5% and 19% tin. Below are examples of organotin heat stabilizers that Bisley International supplies.
- The 6.5% Tin Stabilizer
The 6.5% tin stabilizer is a yellow liquid made of a methyl tin mercaptide, commonly used in advanced PVC stabilization. The stabilizer enhances color retention, thermal stability, surface gloss, and weathering resistance capabilities. It’s advisable not to combine this stabilizer with cadmium or lead salts. The dosage varies depending on the formulation, but the recommended 6.5% tin stabilizer dosage is 0.8 to 2 phr.
- The 19% Tin Stabilizer
The 9% tin stabilizer is colorless and also comprises methyl mercaptide, essential in PVC production. It is compatible with most additives used in PVC manufacturing. Most 19% tin stabilizers are ideal for PVC film, medical equipment, sheets, granules, and food packaging industries.
Get Quality Tin Stabilizers and Other PVC Manufacturing Components
Are you wondering where to get the best materials for your PVC, rubber, and plastic manufacturing industry? Here is good news. At Bisley International, we will supply you with high-quality, innovative products such as tin stabilizers to suit all your industrial processing needs. Please Get in touch with us today to get the best there is in the market.
