PVC Processing Aid ACR-401

Product Overview

ACR-401 is a high-molecular-weight, high-performance acrylic-based processing aid specifically designed for rigid and semi-rigid PVC formulations. It is engineered to significantly improve the processing characteristics of PVC, particularly in high-filler-loading applications. By promoting faster and more uniform fusion, enhancing melt strength, and improving surface finish, ACR-401 enables manufacturers to achieve higher production speeds, better dimensional stability, and superior product quality in extrusion, calendering, and other processing methods.

Key Specifications

Core Features & Benefits

1. ‌Promotes Rapid & Uniform Fusion‌: ACR-401 acts as a "fusion promoter," significantly reducing the time and energy required for PVC particles to fuse into a homogeneous melt. This leads to faster processing cycles, lower energy consumption, and a more consistent melt, which is crucial for complex profiles and high-speed extrusion lines.

2. ‌Enhances Melt Strength & Elasticity‌: It builds a robust physical network within the PVC melt, dramatically increasing its strength and elasticity. This prevents sagging, tearing, or distortion during processing—especially critical for large-diameter pipes, thick-walled profiles, and foamed PVC products where maintaining shape is essential.

3. ‌Improves Surface Quality & Gloss‌: By ensuring a smooth, homogeneous melt flow, ACR-401 effectively eliminates surface defects such as sharkskin, melt fracture, and die lines. This results in a superior, high-gloss surface finish on the final product, reducing or eliminating the need for secondary finishing operations.

4. ‌Enables High Filler Loading‌: Its excellent compatibility allows for the incorporation of higher levels of fillers (like calcium carbonate) without sacrificing processability or mechanical properties. This helps optimize formulation costs while maintaining product performance.

5. ‌Broad Processing Adaptability‌: Suitable for a wide range of PVC processing techniques, including single/twin-screw extrusion, calendering, and injection molding. It performs consistently across different equipment and processing conditions.

Typical Applications

PVC Pipes & Fittings‌: Pressure pipes, drainage pipes, conduit, and pipe fittings.

PVC Profiles‌: Window and door frames, siding, decking, and other architectural profiles.

‌PVC Sheets & Panels‌: Rigid sheets for construction, signage, and decorative applications.

‌PVC Foam Products‌: Foam core pipes, profiles, and boards (WPC/PVC foam board).

Other High-Filler Rigid PVC Products‌.

Recommended Dosage

The typical addition level ranges from ‌1.0 to 3.0 phr‌ (parts per hundred resin).

General-purpose rigid PVC extrusion (pipes, profiles)‌: 1.5 - 2.5 phr

High-filler formulations or foamed PVC‌: 2.0 - 3.0 phr

Calendering or injection molding‌: 1.0 - 2.0 phr

‌Note‌: The optimal dosage should be determined through trials based on the specific PVC resin, filler content, and processing conditions.

Packaging & Storage

Packaging‌: 25 kg net weight per multi-layer kraft paper bag with inner polyethylene liner.12.5-13tons/20‘GP

Storage‌: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Shelf Life‌: 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.

Safety & Handling

General Handling‌: ACR-401 is a non-hazardous material under normal conditions of use. As with any fine powder, avoid creating dust. Use with adequate ventilation. Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks and safety glasses is recommended.

Regulatory‌: This product is not classified as dangerous goods for transport. For detailed safety information, please refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ACR-401 PVC processing aid?

ACR-401 PVC processing aid is a general-purpose high-performance acrylic copolymer processing aid, widely used in various rigid PVC processing formulations to accelerate PVC resin fusion, improve melt strength, and significantly enhance product surface quality and production continuity.

What is ACR-401 PVC processing aid used for?

ACR-401 is primarily applied in PVC door and window profiles, high-speed PVC pipe extrusion, calendered PVC sheets and films, PVC foamed products, and highly filled rigid PVC systems. Its exact suitable scenarios depend on the specific grade’s intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight parameters.

What is the difference between fast-fusion ACR-401 and high-melt-strength ACR-401 grades?

Fast-fusion ACR-401 features relatively low intrinsic viscosity and uniform molecular weight distribution, which can quickly promote PVC gelation at lower processing temperatures, making it suitable for high-speed profile and pipe extrusion scenarios. High-melt-strength ACR-401 has higher average molecular weight, which provides stronger melt elasticity and sagging resistance, and is more suitable for PVC foaming and thick-wall product production scenarios. The two grades are not completely interchangeable in every high-precision production scenario.

How much ACR-401 processing aid should be added to a formulation?

For PVC profile and siding production, the typical recommended dosage range is 1.5–3.0 phr. For general-purpose PVC pipe systems, the usual addition level falls between 0.8–2.0 phr. The exact optimum value should be determined through lab torque rheometer testing and verified under actual production processing conditions.

How do I select a reliable ACR-401 processing aid supplier?

Compare core technical parameter consistency, targeted application experience for your specific PVC processing scenario, batch-to-batch stability, complete available TDS and SDS documentation, stable bulk supply capacity, and professional formulation debugging technical support. Request samples and evaluate fusion promotion performance under your actual processing and testing standards before finalizing a long-term grade.

Can ACR-401 processing aid be blended with other additives in PVC formulations?

Yes, ACR-401 processing aid can be safely combined with thermal stabilizers, internal and external lubricants, MBS/acrylic impact modifiers, inorganic fillers and other processing aids in well-balanced PVC systems. It delivers dedicated fusion promotion and melt strengthening, while other additives optimize thermal stability, lubrication balance and impact toughness without mutual interference.

What is the typical shelf life and correct storage requirement for ACR-401 processing aid?

Under recommended cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse conditions away from direct sunlight and moisture, the standard shelf life of ACR-401 processing aid is 12 months. After the shelf life expires, the material can still be used if it passes full re-inspection for fusion promotion performance and all relevant technical indicators.