METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers have been used for many years as suspending agents for vinyl chloride polymerization. When used as suspending agents in vinyl chloride polymerization, they provide particle size control, uniform particle size distribution, and porosity that can be optimized for many PVC end-uses. 

The balance of porosity and bulk density is a constant issue for the suspension PVC producer, who is striving for the best compromise. Low-viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ethers are the most suitable cellulose ethers for PVC polymerization. The level of substitution with methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups and the aqueous viscosity determines the performance characteristics as a PVC suspending agent. 

Benefits of using METHOCEL™ as a PVC Suspension Agent

• Control particle sizes
• Uniform particle size distribution
• Porosity that can be optimized to maintain balanced with bulk density

Recommended Grades of METHOCEL™ Cellulose Ethers

Product	MeO (%)	HPO (%)	Viscosity (mPa*s)	NaCl (%)	Fe (ppm)	H2O (%)	Application
METHOCEL K100	23.0	6.5	80-120	<2.0	<150	<3.0	Rigid PVC, low porosity, high bulk density
METHOCEL F50	28.5	6.0	40-60	<1.5	<150	<3.0	General purpose suspending agent
METHOCEL E50	29.0	11.5	45-55	<1.5	<150	<3.0	Flexible PVC, high porosity, low VCM residuals
METHOCEL 181 (E15)	29.0	10.0	13-18	<3.0	<150	<6.0	Flexible PVC, high porosity, low VCM residuals
METHOCEL A15 LV	30.0	---	12-18	<2.0	<150	<3.0

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