Abstract: Synergistic stabilizer compositions are employed to stabilize halogen-containing vinyl polymers from, for example, degradation and discoloration. The stabilizer compositions comprise a zinc compound, a dihydropyridine or polydihydropyridine, a beta-diketone and a latent mercaptan.

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 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.