PVC differs in its stabilization compared to other commodity plastics. Various metal compounds
are suitable for the stabilization of PVC: lead tin calcium magnesium zinc rare earths
and also almost-metal-free systems. These differences are described in the introductory part of
this book with their advantages possibilities and problems from the perspective of the
chemist but made understandable for salespeople and technicians. Numerous tables and figures
are included providing structures and physico-chemical data. A special section for beginners
is dedicated to guiding formulations and test methods. A relatively short section deals with
development trends in Europe. Sustainability is a major theme and it is demonstrated that PVC
has a strong potential to develop into a fully sustainable material. Another section deals with
the everyday problems in the processing of PVC such as the formation of specks photo-effects
and plate-out. Plate-out is a common problem in the processing of PVC but only relatively few
publications cover it. The causes influencing factors and mechanisms are still poorly
understood. This section unique in the literature provides assistance in the selection and
dosage of raw materials to PVC processor based on the influencing factors during processing.
