CPE/ACM

CPE-ACM

CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) is a polymeric additive used to increase the toughness and impact resistance of plastic materials, especially rigid PVC.

What it is and what it’s used for:

• • • • Composition: CPE is an elastomeric (rubber-like) material obtained by chlorinating high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The chlorine content (usually around 35%) determines its elasticity and compatibility with other polymers, such as PVC.

      • Function: The main purpose is to improve the mechanical properties of plastics that are naturally brittle or sensitive to impact, especially at low temperatures.

      • Mechanism of Action: When incorporated into a plastic matrix (such as PVC), CPE particles disperse the energy from an impact, preventing crack propagation and increasing the ductility of the material (its ability to deform before breaking).

      • Common Applications: Widely used in the production of pipes, profiles (such as window frames), sheets, and PVC flooring, where strength and durability are essential.

CPE is a crucial additive that provides greater strength and durability to plastic products, enabling them to better withstand mechanical stress and adverse weather conditions.

ACM (Acrylic Impact Modifier) is a chemical additive that improves the flexibility and impact resistance of rigid PVC, preventing it from becoming brittle. These modifiers, such as acrylic types, help disperse stress throughout the product and are essential for both indoor and outdoor applications that require enhanced durability.

How ACM work:

• • • • Core–Shell Structure: Acrylic modifiers (ACM) have a high molecular weight core–shell structure. The core, made of an acrylate copolymer, absorbs impact energy. The shell, compatible with PVC resin, bonds the impact particle to the PVC material.

      • Stress Dispersion: This structure allows stress to be evenly dispersed across the microsphere, preventing crack and fracture propagation.

Benefits of ACM in PVC:

• • • • Improved Impact Resistance: Significantly increase PVC’s ability to withstand mechanical impacts, reducing the risk of breakage.

      • Enhanced Flexibility: Make PVC more flexible, allowing it to be molded into more complex shapes without compromising strength.

      • Reduced Brittleness: Prevent PVC from becoming brittle, especially at low temperatures — crucial for products exposed to cold environments.

      • Improved Durability: Increase resistance to factors such as temperature variations and weathering, extending the product’s service life.

      • Better Surface Quality: Can result in final products with smoother, more uniform surfaces and improved appearance.

Common Applications

• • • • Outdoor: Window profiles, pipes, gutters, fences, and exterior cladding.

      • Indoor: Food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and other rigid or semi-rigid products requiring high impact resistance.

      • Other: Films, sheets, and other PVC products that require increased toughness.