Technology

PVC (polyvinylchloride) is a versatile polymer which can be solid or flexible depending on its processing. However, its processing requires the use of stabilizers which make it resistant to the high temperatures and mechanical stress to which it is exposed in the extrusion or spurting process. These additives prevent changes in the chemical structure of PVC, which would otherwise prevent any processing. During the past few decades, lead stabilizers were used in the majority of products made from solid PVC worldwide, except in the North America, where the dominant stabilizers are those based on tin. Both systems have a similar relation to price-quality. However, they are mutually incompatible and cannot be recycled together; therefore they are used in different markets. Since lead stabilizers, which dominated the European market so far, have been pronounced unwelcome on European soil, because lead is poisonous if introduced into the body, another solution had to be found. It was obtained through Calcium-Zinc stabilizers.

STABILIZATION COMPONENTS

The extruded PVC profiles obtained through the fulfilment of all these conditions are a product with excellent physical characteristics, which fulfil the most demanding economic and ecological requirements. Because of this, the Peštan company entrusted the famous German producer Baerlocher with the production and constant monitoring of the ingredients, due to its long years of experience producing top components for PVC stabilization. Stability under all weather conditions is extremely important for PVC stabilization. Tests point out that Calcium-Zinc profiles are more resistant to changes in colour than the classic lead system. This is particularly important for coloured profiles, since it enables higher colour durability over a longer period.  Bearing all of these facts in mind, the Peštan company developed its system of PVC joinery which completely fulfils the latest European standards and modern criteria, and offered it to customers who wish to obtain real value and a product at a favourable price.

THE TESTING PROCESS

During the testing of Peštan profiles at the German “SKZ” Institute, the profile has undergone a large number of tests in order to examine its characteristics in detail. The most demanding test passed successfully by our profile was the artificial ageing test. During this test, the profile was alternately exposed to radiation from special XENON lamps, then sprinkled with water, dried for a brief period and then again exposed to light from the xenon lamps. This procedure lasts over six months and simulates 50 years of natural conditions. After the artificial ageing treatment, the profile was then exposed to testing of its mechanical characteristics, i.e. its strike resistance and colour resistance. Due to the ecological Calcium- Zinc stabilizer which we use, our profile was significantly within the values required by the European Standard 12608 after the artificial ageing process which simulates 50 years of aging.