Effect of additives on flexible PVC foam formation

In this study, effects of Ca/Zn stearate and organotin heat stabilizers and zeolite, CaCO3, cellulose and luffa flours fillers, and their concentrations (2.5, 5, 10 and 20% by weight) on production of flexible PVC foams by chemical blowing agent, azodicarbonamide were investigated. Foam morphology, foam density, compressive mechanical properties and water uptake capacities of samples were determined. Morphology of the sample without any filler showed that employment of Ca stearate and Zn stearate heat stabilizers instead of organotin stabilizers increases foam formation and decreases pore sizes and regularity in pore size distribution. Foams having organotin stabilizer were more resistant to heat than the ones with Ca/Zn stearate for long heating periods. Foams, including organotin-based heat stabilizers, have compact structure. It was observed that, samples containing zeolite, CaCO3, cellulose or luffa flour had lower pore volume but higher Young's modulus and stress values compared to unfilled samples.