Effect of Orotic Acid on the Stabilization Efficiency of Ca-Zn Thermal Stabilizers for Poly(vinyl chloride)

The effect of orotic acid (OA) and its mixtures with calcium stearate (CaSt2) and zinc stearate (ZnSt2) in various ratios on the thermal stability of PVC has been investigated by Congo red and discoloration tests. The results shows that OA acts as a long-term thermal stabilizer for PVC like CaSt2, and the combination of OA and ZnSt2 exhibited a synergistic stabilization effect at a certain ratio. This is due to the ability of OA to absorb HCl released during the degradation of PVC to diminish its catalytic effects, and react with ZnCl2 to stop its catalytic effect for PVC. CaSt2-ZnSt2/OA stabilizers exhibit good synergistic effects with both acceptable initial color and long-term stability for PVC