Inorganic impact modifier and processing aid for PVC

An amorphous silica, SIDISTAR has been investigated as an impact modifier for rigid PVC. Optimal dispersion of the silica as primary particles is essential and this can be achieved by incorporating it at an early stage of the mixing process before other fillers are added. This ensures that the PVC grains are coated with SIDISTAR. This material is able to function as an impact modifier via the cavitation mechanism and it will also improve the dispersion of the other ingredients in the compound. It was found that SIDISTAR delayed gelation of the PVC compound, but this could be avoided by minor changes in formulation and processing conditions. Reduction in gelation time resulted in improved impact performance. Furthermore, compounds containing SIDISTAR possessed a wide processing window