Keynote: Flexible PVC and Plastisols

Abstract

Plasticizers are key additives for many applications. They are the principle raw material for the flexible PVC market applications. Several different chemical classes of plasticizers are used. The largest single class of plasticizers remains to be phthalates but other classes of plasticizers allow the formulator of flexible vinyl significant choices. The chemical classes of plasticizers will be described and how they are used for their specific attributes. The next step in understanding plasticizers is to understand their function in vinyl formulation. A basic plasticizer evaluation will be described first then different applications area will be reviewed and examples of formulations provided.

About the Speaker

William Arendt is currently the President and Technical director of Arendt Consulting. Bill Arendt has worked for more than fifty years with plasticizers. The main focus of his work with plasticizers has been with flexible vinyl technologies. Besides vinyl (flexible and rigid) Bill has experience in latex adhesives, hot melt, pressure sensitive adhesives, caulks, coatings, polyurethanes, sealants, ink, flame retardants, hydrocarbon resins and others. Bill has 26 US patents and has made hundreds of presentations. He is an Honored Fellow member of the SPE. Besides SPE Bill has been active in ASTM (C24 and D01), a member of the ACS and ACA and has been technical Chair of the Adhesives and Sealants Council. Currently Bill is on the Vinyl Division TPC, and BOD. He is also the Chair of the Fellow selection committee. In the past he has been President of the Chicago Section, Councilor from Section and Vinyl Plastics Division. Bill has numerous awards for support of the SPE and other societies. Also he has earned best paper/presentation awards.