LEAD STABILISERS   Applications Benefits Composition Risk Assessment Production break down   Applications Traditionally, lead-based compounds have been used in many parts of the world to stabilise rigid PVC for the construction industry use and in flexible PVC for electrical wire and cable applications. Lead-based stabilisers’ cost/performance ratio and physical properties, in terms of excellent heat and light stability, good electrical resistance and low water absorption, have made the materials of choice for many long life applications. Back to top Benefits When formulated with appropriate lubricants, lead stabilised PVC has a wide processing range, enabling manufacture of a variety of PVC items on advanced converting machinery, as well as less sophisticated equipment. The lead stabilisers are locked into the PVC matrix so leaching is insignificant. Lead stabilised formulations have high heat stability, reducing wear on processing equipment, and allow recycling of scrap to be processed carried out with in at the manufacturing environment. Back to top Composition Chemically, lead stabiliser systems are based on the following compounds: Product Compound Property Attribute Tris- or tetra-basic lead sulphate Strong heat stabiliser Di-basic lead phosphite Heat and light stabiliser Di-basic lead phthalate Strong heat stabiliser (Cable) Poly-basic lead fumarate Very strong heat stabiliser (Cable) Di-basic or normal lead stearate Stabiliser/lubricant   Back to top