Calcium-organic stabilizers

Calcium-organic stabilizers are modern PVC additives that provide high thermal stability during processing and help maintain the performance of finished products in use.

Their growing use is driven by stricter environmental requirements and manufacturers’ efforts to improve product safety. These systems are used in both rigid and plasticized PVC compounds.

Benefits of Calcium-Organic Stabilizers

• environmental and product safety: free from lead and other toxic components; permitted for food-contact and medical applications;
• regulatory compliance: meet current requirements restricting heavy metals;
• high thermal stability: effectively prevent thermal degradation of the material;
• wide processing window: the absence of zinc eliminates the risk of “zinc burning” and improves process stability;
• resistance to external factors: resistance to UV radiation, moisture and temperature changes;
• color retention: stable color even after repeated processing cycles;
• improved properties: increased impact and tensile strength;
• reprocessability: can be reprocessed without a substantial loss of properties;
• resource sustainability: some components may come from renewable sources;
• versatility: compatible with standard equipment and formulations.

Chemical Basis and Properties

Calcium-organic stabilizers are based on fatty acid salts, most commonly stearates, which form an active stabilizing system in combination with organic components. This structure protects the material from thermal degradation during processing.

The active compounds are added to the formulation in dispersed form, allowing precise control over the compound’s composition and final properties. Their effectiveness depends on the availability of active sites on the particle surfaces and their interaction with the polymer matrix.

The balance of components in the system affects color stability, processability and the range of applications for the finished products.

Applications

Their combination of safety, effectiveness and processability supports the use of calcium-organic stabilizers in:

• construction: window and door profiles, window sills, siding, panels, flooring and roofing membranes;
• utility systems: water supply, sewer and drainage pipes, fittings and cable ducts;
• cable products: insulation for wires and power cables;
• packaging and medical products: films, containers, medical tubing and transfusion systems;
• technical products: hoses, compounds and injection-molded parts.

Why the Market Is Moving Toward Calcium-Organic Stabilizers

The industry continues to move away from lead-based systems. Key reasons include:

• stricter environmental regulations;
• higher product safety requirements;
• the influence of international standards;
• the need to improve material processability.

Manufacturers worldwide view calcium-organic stabilizers as a long-term solution that combines processing performance with compliance with current environmental requirements.