Technical Data Sheet
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier
For Weatherable Vinyl Building Applications
Regional Product
Availability
• Europe
Description
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier belongs to the new generation of The Dow
Chemical Company acrylic impact modifiers (AIMs) designed to outperform existing vinyl
additives across a range of processing conditions. This new powder modifier provides
outstanding impact and rheological performance properties. This unique combination of
properties affords conventional AIMs users the opportunity to switch to PARALOID KM-1
Acrylic Impact Modifier with minor or no adjustment to existing formulations.
In addition, the core shell structure of this new modifier has been designed to offer
an improved impact strength efficiency satisfying all standards, across a range of
processing conditions.
Key Attributes
Key properties provided by PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier are as follows:
• No stress built-up
• Consistent surface finish (Gloss)
• Low post-extrusion shrinkage
• Reduced or no plate-out
• High impact strength
• Good resistance to compaction
• Unparalleled weathering performance
Impact Strength
EN12608 STANDARD
(ISO 179-1/1eA)
Impact strength under plane strain conditions is regarded as a reliable indicator of
brittleness for a given formulation, following a linear elastic fracture mechanism on
pressed plate. This property is customarily measured with the Single V-notch Impact test
(ISO 179-1/1eA). To pass the test, a calendered/pressed formulation must withstand a
minimum energy of 20 kJ/m². Results conducted with this procedure demonstrate that
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier provides improved impact strength under plane
strain conditions.
As shown in the graph on the following page, PARALOID KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier
at 6 or 7 phr displays similar or superior impact effectiveness as other acrylic impact
modifiers (Fig. 1).
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 1 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Impact Strength
(continued)
Figure 1: EN 12608 Standard
RAL STANDARD (DIN 53753: Double V-notch Charpy impact test)
In some countries, reference is made to the RAL-GZ 716/1 Standard. This RAL Standard
specifies the use of a double-V notch Charpy impact test (DIN 53753) to measure the
impact strength of extruded vinyl profiles under plane stress conditions. A minimum energy
of 40 kJ/m² is necessary to satisfy the Standard’s requirements in this regard. Evaluations
conducted with this procedure confirm the good efficiency of PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic
Impact Modifier relative to competitive modifiers (Fig. 2). At low level, PARALOID KM-1
Acrylic Impact Modifier provides enough impact resistance to satisfy the standard.
Figure 2: RAL standard
Process
Characteristics
Brabender Rheology
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier yields a slightly slower fusion but similar
fusion temperature, compared to conventional AIMs. Equilibrium torque is comparable to
conventional AIMs (Figure 3).
This feature was ascertained in Brabender rheology testing conducted at 180°C and 50 rpm
with a charge weight of 59 grams.
Figure 3: Brabender Rheology Data
Loading
phr
Pb stabilized formulation
Competitive AIM
6
PARALOID KM-1
6
Fusion time
(sec.)
Fusion Temp
ºC
Fusion Torque
(nm)
72
77
166
166
16.7
20.2
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
Equilibrium
Torque (nm)
31.6
31.5
®TM
Page 2 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Extrusion Processing Characteristics
In trials conducted with large parallel or conical twin-screw extruders, vinyl formulations
containing PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier exhibit processing characteristics
similar or slightly delayed fusion to vinyl formulated with conventional AIMs (Fig. 4). These
extruder data reflects the slightly slower fusion observed for PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic
Impact Modifier in a Brabender test.
Figure 4: Extrusion Characteristics
Loading
phr
Pb stabilized formulation
Competitive AIM
6
PARALOID KM-1
6
Competitive AIM
7
PARALOID KM-1
7
Density
g/cc
Screw Torque
A
Melt
Pressure Z1
MPa
Melt Temp.
ºC
0.671
0.673
0.668
0.671
3.59
3.43
3.64
3.58
1.1
0.7
1.3
1.0
169
166
171
170
Gloss Properties
As a result of the outstanding rheological and impact properties described above,
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier based formulations delivers very good gloss
to vinyl profiles (Fig. 5) compared to competitive AIMs.
Figure 5: 60° Gloss Percentage
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 3 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Color Properties
As slight temperature adjustment could be required to optimize the PARALOID™ KM-1
Acrylic Impact Modifier efficiency in vinyl profiles, color characteristics remains fully
comparable to competitive modifiers (Fig. 6).
Figure 6: b* value
Weatherability
The weathering resistance of vinyl depends on a number of factors in the formulation,
notably the polymer grade, the chemical type and concentration of the stabilizer, and the
nature of the pigmentation. All acrylic polymers, specially developed by The Dow Chemical
Company for vinyl impact modification, have proven their outstanding weathering resistance
and color stability over many years. Rigid vinyl products, when properly stabilized, pigmented
and modified with PARALOID™ acrylic impact modifiers, show excellent color durability and
retention of mechanical properties.
Accelerated weathering tests were carried out with a Xenontest weatherometer for 4000
hours. The tests were performed on window profiles in a Pb stabilized vinyl formulation. The
results highlight the excellent long-term durability of PARALOID KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier
(Fig. 7 and 8).
Figure 7: Color Stability (Delta b*)
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 4 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Figure 8: Color Stability (Delta E*)
Packaging and
Handling
Packaging
Powder Characteristics PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier
Funnel flowability, mm
20
Minimum ignition energy, mJ
200–300
Minimum ignition temperature, ºC
420
Layer ignition temperature, ºC
> 400
KST Class/Value (bar.m/s)
Class 1 / 120
Particle size:
On 0.600 mm, maximum
On 0.250 mm, maximum
Trough 0.045 mm, maximum
7
60
25
Handling Considerations
Under certain conditions all organic powders can form explosive mixtures with air.
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier is no different in this respect and has been
classified as belonging to the dust explosion class ST1. Risks of this nature can be
minimized by careful plant design. To ensure safe handling, the appropriate safety
regulations should be observed. We recommend that the prospective users determine
the safe handling procedures necessary for the user’s applications before manufacturing
products. A Material Data Safety Sheet, outlining hazards and handling methods, is
available on request from your local Dow Chemical Plastics Additives sales office.
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 5 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Formulations
Window Profile Ca/Zn Stabilized (K68)
S-PVC K68
100
Ca/Zn-Stabilizerpack
4–6
Titanium Dioxide
5
Calcium Carbonate
5–8
PARALOID™ KM-1
6.0
PARALOID K-125 ER
0.5
Window Profile Pb Stabilized (K68)
S-PVC K68
Pb-Stabilizerpack
Titanium Dioxide
Calcium Carbonate
PARALOID™ KM-1
PARALOID K-175 ER
PARALOID K-125 ER
Handling
Precautions
100
4–6
4
5–8
6.0
0.5
0.5
Before using this product, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data
Sheet (SDS) for details on product hazards, recommended handling precautions and
product storage.
CAUTION! Keep combustible and/or flammable products and their vapors away from heat,
sparks, flames and other sources of ignition including static discharge. Processing or
operating at temperatures near or above product flashpoint may pose a fire hazard. Use
appropriate grounding and bonding techniques to manage static discharge hazards.
CAUTION! Failure to maintain proper volume level when using immersion heaters can
expose tank and solution to excessive heat resulting in a possible combustion hazard,
particularly when plastic tanks are used.
Storage
Store products in tightly closed original containers at temperatures recommended on the
product label.
Disposal
Dispose in accordance with all local, state (provincial) and federal regulations. Empty
containers may contain hazardous residues. This material and its container must be
disposed in a safe and legal manner.
It is the user's responsibility to verify that treatment and disposal procedures comply
with local, state (provincial) and federal regulations. Contact your Dow Plastics Additives
Technical Representative for more information
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 6 of 7
Form No. 874-00921-0810
Product
Stewardship
Dow has a fundamental concern for all who make, distribute, and use its products, and
for the environment in which we live. This concern is the basis for our product stewardship
philosophy by which we assess the safety, health, and environmental information on our
products and then take appropriate steps to protect employee and public health and our
environment. The success of our product stewardship program rests with each and every
individual involved with Dow products–from the initial concept and research, to manufacture,
use, sale, disposal, and recycle of each product.
Customer Notice
Dow strongly encourages its customers to review both their manufacturing processes and
their applications of Dow products from the standpoint of human health and environmental
quality to ensure that Dow products are not used in ways for which they are not intended
or tested. Dow personnel are available to answer your questions and to provide reasonable
technical support. Dow product literature, including safety data sheets, should be consulted
prior to use of Dow products. Current safety data sheets are available from Dow.
Contact:
North America:
1-800-441-4369
Asia:
800-7776-7776
Europe:
800-3-694-6367
South America:
+55-11-5188-9000
http://www.dow.com
Notice: No freedom from any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may
differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and
the information in this document are appropriate for Customer's use and for ensuring that Customer's workplace and disposal
practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may
not be available for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have been
approved for use in all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to
“Dow” or the “Company” mean the Dow legal entity selling the products to Customer unless otherwise expressly noted. NO
WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
PARALOID™ KM-1 Acrylic Impact Modifier / Dow Plastics Additives
®TM
Page 7 of 7
Form. 874-00921-0810