Calcium Organics

Calcium Organic stabiliser systems have been used in PVC applications for over 20 years.  They are generally based on metal carboxylates and will sometimes incorporate other elements to boost performance such as aluminium or magnesium. 

Because of the characteristics of calcium organic stabilised materials they are widely used in many flexible and rigid PVC applications, including PVC-U window profile. This type of stabilising system can give products that have a high degree of clarity, good mechanical and electrical properties, excellent organoleptic properties and good outdoor weatherability. 

In recent years there have been significant performance developments in calcium organic stabilisers, which now means they are viable technical alternatives to most other stabilising systems.  These newer forms of calcium organic stabiliser are in general more complex and expensive than the traditional soaps mainly because of the specialised co-stabilisers required to meet the specific requirements of these applications.  However, a number of PVC-U systems suppliers now use calcium organic stabiliser systems and the remainder are expected to follow suit over the next few years.

Some concern has been raised regarding the safety of these stabiliser systems, however, calcium organic stabiliser systems incorporating the proven range of co-stabilisers have low-toxicity and are often regarded as non-toxic.  Solid calcium organic stabilisers have to meet the general requirements for dust emissions in the workplace although dust-free forms are readily available.