Applications of Polyvinylchloride (PVC)/Thermoplastic Nano-, Micro- and Macroblends

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is one of the most applied polymers due to its mechanical and optical properties in a variety of industries, such as packaging, medical, food packaging, military applications, construction, as well as cable and wire manufacturing. The advantages of using PVC are based on its low cost and high versatility. Pure PVC is a rigid polymer. For this reason, to increase applicability, PVC must be compounded with several additives, mainly plasticizers like phthalates, such as dioctyl phthalate (DOP), ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), addipates, citrates, to improve flexibility, as well as processing aids and stabilizers for melt processing and resistance to UV and other environmental factors of degradation. In recent years, due to the performance of nanomaterials and increasing demand of replacing wood, paper and metallic parts in several domains such as packaging, construction, military and aerospace applications, PVC has gained more attention and influence in the industry and trading. Several recipes of PVC were developed by including new additives such as inorganic and organic fillers at nano-, micro- and macro-dimensions, in order to improve and maximize biocompatibility, mechanical and optical properties together with decreasing costs. The most promising technology, nanotechnology, creates nanometer scale materials, with commercial and scientific relevance. Nanotechnology is present in top industries and has been explored for extending the product shelf life and offers quality, safety and stability of products. Nanoparticles in the PVC recipes lead to improved barrier and mechanical properties, and have gained good response from market and end users. Special attention for using nanoparticles in food packaging was increased; therefore, policies and regulation regarding health protection are being reviewed.