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Blog Archive

Alternative lubricant system to replace EBS in rigid PVC formulations

It is safe to say that Ethylene bis(stearamide) wax (EBS) has been used as part of a lubricant system in some formulations for rigid PVC for several decades. This long history of use, and some unique processing characteristics, presented a challenge when the supply of EBS wax became severely constrained in the second half of 2021 and early 2022. The R&D / Technical Service lab at Norac Additives took this opportunity to look at alternative ways to replace the EBS in a formulation by utilizing the ester lubricants available in our product line and adopting a system approach. Our work showed that there is no single ingredient available that can adequately substitute for the EBS in a rigid PVC formula. It was also noted that the EBS level being used in a formulation varied widely depending on formulation application. With that in mid, we have identified different combinations of lubricants that can be a 'performance equivalent' for those different starting points. Within our manufacturing we then have the ability to put the whole system together into a single product (NORAC XL) that can be used by the end customer. At Norac Additives we believe that the best performance comes from a tailored solution. If you have a need for an alternative because of supply, or you are just looking for better performance, get in touch with us so we can start the discussion.

New Product Line: CaZn Stabilizer Boosters

As the world continues to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, one consistent trend has been stress on the global supply chain that lead to pervasive shortages in raw materials. At Norac, we’re working hard to adapt to these material shortages now and into the future. We know our customers have been tasked to utilize different stabilizers, and we have committed to helping them by adjusting the lubricant packages that we offer. In addition, to help alleviate some of the issues of tin stabilizer availability and cost, Norac has developed a line of CaZn-based stabilizer "boosters." Products such as our Norstab 85 can be used to reduce tin stabilizer loadings without needing to adjust other additives, while still providing excellent early color and preserving long-term stability. This booster solution is working in multiple PVC building products formulations.

For more information, please contact Stu Parks.

Norac Additives in Construction Projects

Norac Additives manufactures ingredients used in plastics and other building materials.  The products include calcium stearate (COAD 10), zinc stearate (COAD 23), magnesium stearate (COAD 40) and specialty blends (Norstab heat stabilizers and Norac EL and XL lubricant blends). They are also used in cement-based building materials, such as stucco, mortar, grout, cinder block, and pavers as hydrophobic agents.

Hydrophobic agents are critical for cement related products to prevent things such as water absorption and efflorescence, while improving properties like wetting and workability. Calcium and zinc stearate have been used traditionally and are very good, cost effective hydrophobes. Siloxanes have found use as hydrophobes in recent years and, although they are effective, they are also costly. Norac Additives now offers LIGAPHOB N 90 (sodium oleate) and LIGAPHOB N 90 Plus (sodium salt of special fatty acids), reactive hydrophobes that have been found to be just as effective at a much lower cost.

Norac Additives is expanding its hydrophobe product line for cement-based building material applications to include products from the Peter Greven Group, a German based international oleochemicals manufacturer and the parent company of Norac Additives. The new products will include reactive, combination, dispersion, and solution products under the LIGAFLUID® (stearate dispersions) and LIGAPHOB® (alkaline metal oleate powders and blends) trade names. 

For further information, please contact Tim Hegge.

Norac to Appear at K Show 2022

Norac Additives LLC, a Peter Greven Group company, will be in attendance at the K 2022 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.  We will be sharing space in the booth of our parent company, Peter Greven GmbH & Co., Hall 8A / D49.  Please come by the booth and one of our representatives will be able to provide specifics about the offerings from Norac Additives and Peter Greven that are available to the North American market. This is a great opportunity to meet with us and our colleagues to learn about the technology and service we can offer. In 2023 our companies will have been family-owned and customer-focused for 100 years. We look forward to seeing you at the Exhibition.

For more information, please contact Rob Decker.

Norac to present at SPE Vinyltech 2022

Norac Additives will be presenting "A Study of CaZn/Tin/CaZn Boosted Stabilizer Systems" at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) - VINYLTEC conference on September 29, 2022.  The presentation will look in depth at the performance of different stabilizer systems in rigid PVC applications.  The theme of the conference is "Charting the Course for a Sustainable Future".  Knowing that stabilizers are a critical piece of a PVC formulation, we believe that understanding stabilizer performance and interactions is essential for manufacturers as they look to grow the use of PVC in new and existing categories.  The VINYLTEC conference is annually one of the premier opportunities where the entire supply chain of materials suppliers through end-producers gets to gather and share information that helps everyone plan for the future.  We look forward to sharing our results and are very glad to be part of such a great program.

For more information, please contact Rob Decker.