Blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) with a polyvinyl chloride and nitrile rubber (PVC/NBR) mixture over a full range of blend ratios were examined for the miscibility of the ternary blends, and for their fracture toughness, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, stress-strain properties and hardness. Blends containing up to 20 percent of either PU or PVC/NBR showed miscibility, but only partial miscibility was observed at levels above 20 percent of either component. Fracture toughness was greatest in the miscible blends. 20 refs.

The effects of plasticiser content and temperature on the migration of the plasticiser dioctyl phthalate (DOP) from poly(vinyl chloride) discs into well-stirred colza oil was investigated by weight loss and radioactive labelling studies. The application of a mathematical model to simulate DOP concentration profiles and to predict the kinetics of transfer into the oil is discussed. 16 refs.

The kinetics of thermal degradation of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) at various temperatures in the presence or absence of organic stabilisers such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, benzoic acid and phenol were investigated by titration of the evolved hydrogen chloride. The results are discussed in terms of the relative effectiveness and optimum concentrations of the stabilisers. 36 refs.

Twenty-four papers are published following this International plastics additives and modifiers conference. Papers are divided into the following sessions: the business environment - markets and legislation, stabilisation, flame retardants, antimicrobials, compounding, surface and impact property modifiers.

In India, there is a need for an education and awareness programme in plastics among the masses to understand the uses in day to day life, waste disposal, regeneration and recycling. There is also a need to produce more diploma, graduate, post graduate and research level programmes to extend the support to the industries and research organisations handling and concentrating on polymer activities. The challenges facing India, namely applications, waste, processing and cost, product design and development, and new polymer R&D, are discussed. 27 refs.

The EU's new WEEE Directive will drive a steady reduction in the range of plastics being used in E&E applications, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan. The directive will lead to greater reliance on plastics such as PP, which can be readily modified to cover a wider property range. The variable recyclability of different plastics will also become a determining factor when OEMs choose plastics to be used in E&E products. Monomaterial unfilled plastics or unblended and crystalline polymers will be favoured. Coloured plastics that avoid the need for coating will also become popular, it is briefly reported.

Quantum chemical calculations performed for dehydrochlorination of low molar mass models of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are used to obtain thermodynamic parameters within the framework of the four-centred concerted mechanism. It is demonstrated that the dehydrochlorination reactions of syndiotactic and isotactic fragments proceed at equal rates to yield predominantly trans- and cis-isomers of beta-chloroallyl moieties respectively. The elimination of HCl from beta-chloroallyl moieties occurs at a higher rate than the dehydrochlorination of normal vinyl chloride units and the rate of dehydrochlorination of poly(enyl chloride) is higher than the rate of elimination of HCl from beta-chloroallyl groups. 20 refs.

Accelerated ultraviolet weathering of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) filled composites with different filler content of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre is described. The composites are made by dry blending PVC, EFB fillers and other additives and two-roll milled and hot-pressed into samples. The composites are exposed to cyclic UV fluorescent light. The composites are assessed by SEM, impact and flexural testing, visual inspection and FTIR analysis. EFB fillers accelerate photo-oxidative degradation. Although filled composites exhibit greater discolouration than unfilled composites, their impact and flexural properties change only slightly. 27 refs.

A demonstration of a sustainability assessment of stabilisers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes is given. A comparison is made between a calcium-zinc stabiliser and an organically based stabiliser. The methodology is based on a robust set of sustainability principles, The Natural Step (TNS) methodology. The sustainability assessment covers discussion of objectives and strategies, analysis of current operations based on the TNS system conditions, establishment of a plan and possible actions, and prioritisation and management. 24 refs.

New data for PVC is reviewed and presented with a focus on the use of models to simulate migration. Directive 2002/72/EC recognises that certain types of diffusion models can be used for certain polymers as a substitute for costly and time consuming migration testing. This article shows that PVC can be added to this category of polymer. 10 refs.

A demonstration is made of applicable pathways towards a balanced and holistic life-cycle (LC) related decision-support in procurement and purchasing for environmentally preferable solutions that are technically practicable and economically feasible. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used as the example. The way of structuring available information leads to a discussion of the pros and cons of different solutions. LC assessments need to be taken at the application level rather than at the material level. For PVC the production of intermediates, stabilisers and plasticisers plays a major role in environmental impact. The role of recycling is addressed. 4 refs.