Performance Mapping toward Optimal Addition Levels and Processing Conditions for Different Types of Hydrocarbon Waxes Typically Used as External Lubricants in Sn-Stabilized PVC Pipe Formulations.

The mechanism of performance of hydrocarbon waxes used as external lubricants in typical PVC pipe formulations is not completely understood or defined. This study will benefit pipe manufacturers to tailor PVC processing conditions and wax addition levels to enhance the value of waxes with different molecular architectures in Sn-stabilized PVC formulations. A selection of waxes was comprehensively analyzed to understand how their structural and morphological differences impact the fusion behavior of a Sn-stabilized PVC compound.

Solution crystallization and dissolution of polyolefins as monitored by a unique analytical tool: solution crystallization analysis by laser light scattering.

For the first time, the solution crystallization and dissolution behavior of polyolefins in a variety of solvents was investigated by using a recently developed crystallization based analysis technique, solution crystallization analysis by laser light scattering (SCALLS). SCALLS results provide clear evidence that crystallization and dissolution of linear polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are greatly influenced by the type of solvent used. It was demonstrated for a blend of PE and iPP that cocrystallization effects are minimal in solvents such as TCB and o-DCB and are significantly more pronounced in xylene and decalin.