The coloring of PVC

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride—PVC—has been commercial since the mid-1930s. It is one of the most versatile of all thermoplastic resins. By the end of this year, United States consumption of PVC resin could reach 4.2 million metric tons. Some of the key markets for PVC are pipe, siding, windows, floor coverings, wire and cable insulation, and protective coatings, to name just a few. As you would expect, color plays an integral part in many of these applications. The purpose of this paper is to review the major colorant types and families that are used to color PVC, with special emphasis placed on end-use applications. Within the context of coloring PVC, the continued use or replacement of lead and cadmium bearing colorants is discussed.