Poly Vinyl Chloride Foams

Trovicel Poly(vinyl chloride), foamed, PVC Hiils AG... 

Rigid Poly(vinyl chloride) Foam. The techniques that have been used to produce rigid vinyl foams are similar to those for the manufacture of flexible PVC foams. The two processes that have reached commercial importance for the manufacture of rigid vinyl foams (258) are the Dynamit-Nobel extrusion process and the Kleber-Colombes Polyplastique process for producing cross-linked grafted PVC foams from isocyanate-modified PVC in a two-stage molding process. 

Antagonism between antimony oxide and phosphoms flame retardants has been reported in several polymer systems, and has been explained on the basis of phosphoms interfering with the formation or volatilization of antimony haUdes, perhaps by forming antimony phosphate (12,13). This phenomenon is also not universal, and depends on the relative amounts of antimony and phosphoms. Some useful commercial poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) formulations have been described for antimony oxide and triaryl phosphates (42). Combinations of antimony oxide, halogen compounds, and phosphates have also been found useful in commercial flexible urethane foams (43). 

Poly(vinylchloride). Cellular poly(vinyl chloride) is prepared by many methods (108), some of which utili2e decompression processes. In all reported processes the stabili2ation process used for thermoplastics is to cool the cellular state to a temperature below its second-order transition temperature before the resia can flow and cause coUapse of the foam. 

CeUular polymers are also used for pipe and vessel insulation. Spray and pour-in-place techniques of appHcation are particularly suitable, and polyurethane and epoxy foams are widely used. Ease of appHcation, fire properties, and low thermal conductivity have been responsible for the acceptance of ceUular mbber and ceUular poly(vinyl chloride) as insulation for smaller pipes. 

Structural Components. In most appHcations stmctural foam parts are used as direct replacements for wood, metals, or soHd plastics and find wide acceptance in appHances, automobUes, furniture, materials-handling equipment, and in constmction. Use in the huil ding and constmction industry account for more than one-half of the total volume of stmctural foam appHcations. High impact polystyrene is the most widely used stmctural foam, foUowed by polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and poly(vinyl chloride). The constmction industry offers the greatest growth potential for ceUular plastics. 

The combination of stmctural strength and flotation has stimulated the design of pleasure boats using a foamed-in-place polyurethane between thin skins of high tensUe strength (231). Other ceUular polymers that have been used in considerable quantities for buoyancy appHcations are those produced from polyethylene, poly(vinyl chloride), and certain types of mbber. The susceptibUity of polystyrene foams to attack by certain petroleum products that are likely to come in contact with boats led to the development of foams from copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrUe which are resistant to these materials... 

Miscellaneous Applications. CeUular plastics have been used for display and novelty pieces from their eady development. Polystyrene foam combines ease of fabrication with lightweight, attractive appearance, and low cost to make it a favorite in these uses. PhenoHc foam has its principal use in doral displays. Its abiHty to hold large amounts of water for extended periods is used to preserve cut dowers. CeUular poly(vinyl chloride) is used in toys and athletic goods, where its toughness and ease of fabrication into intricate shapes have been valuable. 

A variety of cellular plastics exists for use as thermal iasulation as basic materials and products, or as thermal iasulation systems ia combination with other materials (see Foamed plastics). Polystyrenes, polyisocyanurates (which include polyurethanes), and phenoHcs are most commonly available for general use, however, there is increasing use of other types including polyethylenes, polyimides, melamines, and poly(vinyl chlorides) for specific appHcations. 

The newer open-ceU foams, based on polyimides (qv), polyben2imida2oles, polypyrones, polyureas, polyphenylquinoxalines, and phenoHc resins (qv), produce less smoke, are more fire resistant and can be used at higher temperatures. These materials are more expensive and used only for special appHcations including aircraft and marine vessels. Rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) foams are available in small quantities mainly for use in composite panels and piping appHcations (see Elame retardants Heat-RESISTANTPOLYA rs). 

Aryloxyphosphazene copolymers can also confer fireproof properties to flammable materials when blended. Dieck [591] have used the copolymers III, and IV containing small amounts of reactive unsaturated groups to prepare blends with compatible organic polymers crosslinkable by the same mechanism which crosslinks the polyphosphazene, e.g. ethylene-propylene and butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), unsaturated urethane rubber. These blends were used to prepare foams exhibiting excellent fire retardance and producing low smoke levels or no smoke when heated in an open flame. Oxygen index values of 27-56 were obtained. 

Levin, B.C., A summary of the NBS litterature Reviews on the chemical nature and toxicity of the pyrolysis and combustion from seven plastics acrylonitrite-butadien-styrenes (ABS), nylons, polyesters, polyetylenes, polysterenes, poly(vinyl-chlorides) and rigid polyurethane foams, KB SIR 85-3267, 1986... 

Rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) foam has commonly been used to make foam stops for windows. However, this foam type may be relatively expensive, and it may not provide the desired physical characteristics. 

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