Solstice performance additives are engineered to solve the most common PVC processing challenges: fusion control, high torque, surface defects, plate-out, and costly downtime.
PVC processors consistently encounter a set of interrelated challenges that affect output quality, throughput, and operational cost:
These issues don't just affect product quality — they directly impact throughput, downtime, and profitability.
With an advanced materials heritage of more than 130 years, Solstice is one of the world's first commercial producers of low molecular weight (LMW) polyolefin-based additives and a leading innovator of formulated solutions for the PVC industry.
Solstice's performance additive portfolio includes widely recognized brands such as A-C™, Cohesa™, Rheochem™, and Aclyn™ — comprising homopolymers, copolymers (including oxidized versions), ionomers, and custom additive formulations.
Solstice performance additives for plastics are engineered to improve PVC processing efficiency by:
Solstice additives improve heat transfer and particle interaction during processing, enabling better fusion control. This reduces variability in the melt, stabilizes processing conditions, and allows manufacturers to operate at higher speeds without compromising quality.
By improving flow characteristics and lowering compound fusion torque, Solstice additives reduce process motor amperage. This enables faster extrusion speeds and shorter cycle times while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solstice additives enhance melt strength and elasticity, reducing melt fracture, die build-up, and dimensional instability. Material flows more smoothly through the die, and finished products retain their shape more reliably.
Uniform dispersion is critical to both processing performance and final product aesthetics. Solstice additives promote better wetting and distribution of fillers, pigments, and impact modifiers within the polymer matrix.
Unplanned downtime is one of the largest hidden costs in PVC processing. Solstice additives' optimized external lubrication and metal release properties reduce sticking, plate-out, and material build-up on processing equipment.
The intrinsic properties of Ca/Zn stabilizers provide substantial internal lubrication, yet they often fall short in providing the external lubrication required for optimal melt processing and overall efficiency. By introducing specialized lubricant additives for PVC and CPVC, Solstice performance additives empower manufacturers to widen their processing windows, thereby reducing scrap rates and enhancing productivity.
Traditional plastics often contain contaminants that complicate recycling. Solstice functional additives help couple these contaminants into the polymer matrix, maintaining mechanical properties and supporting end-of-life recyclability.
FAQ
External lubricants in PVC extrusion reduce friction between the polymer melt and metal processing surfaces such as the barrel, screw, and die. This prevents plate-out, reduces sticking, and improves surface quality of the final product. Solstice A-C additives such as A-C 6A and A-C 629A are widely used external lubricants for PVC pipe and profile extrusion.
By lowering melt viscosity and processing torque, performance additives allow extruders to operate at lower energy loads while maintaining or increasing throughput. Solstice additives reduce internal friction within the polymer matrix, which directly translates to lower kWh per kg of material processed.
Ca/Zn stabilizer systems require more efficient external lubrication than traditional lead-based systems. Solstice A-C additives — particularly those with oxidized polyethylene chemistry — are specifically formulated to provide the external lubrication balance needed for Ca/Zn PVC compounds, enabling effective processing without compromising fusion or surface quality.
For PVC pipe extrusion, Solstice recommends A-C 6A, A-C 307A, A-C 316A, A-C 617A, A-C 629A, A-C 680A, RL-410, RL-165, RL-250, TLP-2030, and FLP-3540. Each product addresses specific processing needs, from metal release and fusion control to surface gloss and filler dispersion.
Solstice additives improve surface quality, increase filler and pigment dispersion by promoting fusion i.e. regrind incorporation
Products like A-C 629A and A-C 6A are specifically formulated to control gloss and surface smoothness in extruded and molded PVC articles.
Connect with Solstice experts to discover how our performance additives can help you increase throughput, reduce downtime, lower energy costs, and support your transition to more sustainable stabilizer systems.
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Solstice Advanced Materials Inc.
115 Tabor Rd.
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
