Abstract: The zinc bum experienced during the processing of a composition comprising a halogen-containing polymer and a zinc mercaptoester is eliminated by the addition of an organothio compound selected from dithioglycol, polyformals and polyacetals of said dithioglycol, and a mercaptoalkanol.

Abstract: The zinc burn experienced during the processing of a composition comprising a halogen-containing polymer and a zinc mercaptoester is eliminated by the addition of an organothio compound selected from dithioglycol, polyformals and polyacetals of said dithioglycol, and a mercaptoalkanol.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin halide in combination with a mercaptocarboxylic acid ester or a sulfide of such ester or a mixture of the ester and the sulfide to activate the blowing agent.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate, alone, or in combination with an organotin halide or carboxylate which activate the blowing agent. Sulfides made from said organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate are also superior activators of the blowing agent.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin halide in combination with a mercaptocarboxylic acid ester or a sulfide of such ester or a mixture of the ester and the sulfide to activate the blowing agent.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate, alone, or in combination with an organotin halide or carboxylate which activate the blowing agent. Sulfides made from said organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate are also superior activators of the blowing agent.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate, alone, or in combination with an organotin halide or carboxylate which activate the blowing agent. Sulfides made from said organotin mercaptoalkylcarboxylate are also superior activators of the blowing agent.

Abstract: The density of rigid foamed articles made by the thermal decomposition of a blowing agent in a vinyl chloride polymer is reduced by the use of an organotin halide in combination with a mercaptocarboxylic acid ester or a sulfide of such ester or a mixture of the ester and the sulfide to activate the blowing agent.

Abstract: A zinc mercaptoacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol or ether, carboxylate, or ether-carboxylate thereof having at least one functional hydroxy group are improved heat stabilizers for halogen-containing polymer compositions. The phenomenon known as zinc burn during processing of such compositions is eliminated. Zinc bis-thioglycolates, zinc mercaptopropionates and zinc bis-mercaptosuccinates of glycols, glycerol, glycol ethers, glycol carboxylates, and glycerol carboyxlates exemplify the new class of heat stabilizers.

Abstract: The presence of ammonium halide in a PVC composition along with conventional primary heat stabilizers enhances the heat stability during the early stages of extrusion into pipe and other articles of manufacture. The ammonium halide which is formed as a by-product of the reaction of a metal halide such as zinc chloride or an organotin chloride with a mercaptoester in the presence of ammonia or an amine may be left in the product or a separate source of the ammonium halide may be used to provide the enhanced heat stability.

Abstract: The presence of ammonium halide in a PVC composition along with conventional primary heat stabilizers enhances the heat stability during the early stages of extrusion into pipe and other articles of manufacture. The ammonium halide which is formed as a by-product of the reaction of a metal halide such as zinc chloride or an organotin chloride with a mercaptoester in the presence of ammonia or an amine may be left in the product or a separate source of the ammonium halide may be used to provide the enhanced heat stability.

Abstract: The preparation of a zinc mercaptoacid ester by the reaction of zinc oxide with the mercaptoacid ester in a wax matrix provides an improved heat stabilizer for halogen-containing polymer compositions. The process obviates the necessity of isolating and transporting the normally very viscous zinc mercaptoacid esters. The zinc mercaptoacid ester/wax matrix is also an expedient medium for the preparation and utilization of calcium stearate as a lubricant in the heat stabilizer composition and the stabilized polymer composition containing it. A paraffin wax is the preferred matrix for the preparation and use of the heat stabilizer and lubricant.

Abstract: Low molecular weight alcohols and diols of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl or aryl and R.sub.3 is an alkylene, arylene, alkenylene or alkynylene radical, Z is hydrogen, hydroxyl or an alkyl group substituted with a hydroxyl group, and x is zero or 1, with the proviso that the alcohols or diols contain from three to twelve carbon atoms and x is not zero when R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are all hydrogen and Z is hydroxyl, significantly reduce the viscosity of and metal salt precipitation from liquid lubricating stabilizer compositions.

Abstract: Phenol and alkyl substituted phenols of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms which significantly reduce the viscosity of and metal salt precipitation from liquid lubricating stabilizer compositions and unexpectedly improve the heat stability of such liquid lubricating and stabilizing compositions.