Effect of Stabilizer on the Mechanical Properties of Rigid PVC

Abstract

<p>In this study commercial suspension polymerized polyvinyl chloride resin with different stabilizer contents was first compounded and injuctioned molded into small dumbbell shape specimens. Most of the specimens after annealing were then tested on the Instron Tensile Tester while the rest on iniature Tensile Tester for difference in mechanical properties. Four parameters from the stress-strain curves were of interest in this study: tensile yield stress, tensile modulus, elongation at fracture and ultimate fracture strength. The differences in mechanical properties were explained by the change in molecular structure of polyvinyl chloride brought about by the reaction between the stabilizer and PVC molecules. In the second part of the experiment, the effects of heat treatment and molecular weight on the mechanical properties of rigid PVC were also investigated.</p>