External lubricant and stabilizer compositions for rigid vinyl polymers
The present invention relates to external lubricant compositions for rigid vinyl polymers and more particularly, to external lubricant compositions for rigid polyvinyl chloride. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rigid vinyl polymer compositions, such as polyvinyl chloride compositions, are utilized for producing a variety of structural articles such as plastic pipe, siding, containers, and sheets. These rigid compositions are substantially unplasticized. 
     In order to stabilize vinyl polymer against the decomposing influence of heat and light, basic lead compounds such as tribasic lead sulfate, dibasic lead phosphite, or dibasic lead phosphite sulfite are used. To enhance the effect of these lead compounds, typically metal soaps such as neutral or basic lead stearate and/or calcium stearate are added. 
     Lubricants are also added to vinyl polymers to facilitate the extrusion or other melt processing of the structural articles produced. Lubricants are generally classified as external or internal lubricants. An external lubricant provides a lubricating layer between the plastic melt and the metallic surfaces of the processing equipment. The external lubricant serves to coat the individual particles of the polymeric resin and inhibits their adherence to the metallic surfaces. In contrast, an internal lubricant reduces the effective melt viscosity of the vinyl polymer at the processing temperatures in order to improve its flow properties during processing as well as to promote fusion. An internal lubricant is generally needed only for thin extrusions such as films and thin-walled pipe. 
     The suitability of lubricants for vinyl polymer is determined by the type of stabilizer used in the vinyl polymer. For example, the PLASTICS ADDITIVE HANDBOOK, 3rd Edition (Hanser Publishers 1990) teaches that calcium stearate, stearic acid, hydroxystearic acid, unoxidized polyethylene waxes, paraffin waxes, microwaxes, and FT-waxes (synthetic wax produced by Fischer Trosch process) are suitable lubricants for lead stabilized polyvinyl chloride thick-walled pipes. 
     As discussed by Kosior et al., &#34;Processing Aids: The Effect of Polymethyl Methacrylate on the Fusion of Rigid Poly(vinyl chloride)&#34;, British Polymer Journal 18(2), 94 (1986), lubricants, in addition to preventing adhesion to metal surfaces, have been shown to retard the progress of fusion of polyvinyl chloride. Processing aids based on polymethyl methacrylate are effective in accelerating the rate of fusion of polyvinyl chloride and are currently used in such compositions. For example, Kosior et al. teach a lead stabilized polyvinyl chloride which used a polymethyl methacrylate processing aid. See also Cogswell, &#34;Influence of Acrylic Processing Aids on the Rheology and Structure of Polyvinyl Chloride&#34;, Pure &amp; Appl. Chem, 55(1), 177 (1983). 
     Known lead stabilized rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe formulations include compositions such as: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Resin       PVC                  100 phr                                  
Pigment     Titanium Dioxide     1.0                                      
Filler      Coated CaCO.sub.3    5.0                                      
Stabilizer  Tribasic lead sulfate                                         
                                 1.0                                      
Co-Stabilizer                                                             
            Lead stearate        0.8                                      
Co-Stabilizer/                                                            
            Calcium Stearate     0.4                                      
Lubricant                                                                 
Internal Lubricant                                                        
            Steryl Stearate      0.6                                      
External Lubricant                                                        
            A-C ® 6A (unoxidized                                      
                                 0.2                                      
            homopolymer polyethylene wax,                                 
            Brookfield viscosity at 140° C.                        
            of 350 cps)                                                   
External Lubricant                                                        
            A-C ® 629 (oxidized polyethylene                          
                                 0.15                                     
            wax, Brookfield viscosity at 140° C.                   
            of 200 cps)                                                   
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     which is disclosed in TECHNICAL DATA FOR LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENES AND DERIVATIVES by AlliedSignal Inc., a chapter of the POLYMER ADDITIVE HANDBOOK (1992); 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Rigid 4-Cell Resin     100 phr                                            
Lead Stabilizer        5.0                                                
Calcium Carbonate      1.5                                                
Titanium Dioxide       2.0                                                
Acrylic Processing Aid 3.0                                                
Calcium Stearate       1.0                                                
A-C ® 629A (oxidized polyethylene                                     
                       0 to 1                                             
wax, Brookfield viscosity at 140° C.                               
of 200 centipoises)                                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     which is disclosed by David Hurwitz, &#34;The Use of Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Rigid PVC Lubrication&#34;, Society of Plastics Engineers, 31st Annual Technical Conference, 349 (May 1973), and 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
PVC                  100 phr                                              
Tribasic Lead Sulfate                                                     
                     0.5                                                  
Dibasic Lead Stearate                                                     
                     1.0                                                  
Calcium Stearate     0.4                                                  
Stearic Acid         0.4                                                  
A-C ® 617A (unoxidized                                                
                     0.2-0.4                                              
homopolymer polyethylene wax,                                             
Brookfield viscosity at 140° C.                                    
of 180 centipoises)                                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     which is disclosed in A-C® POLYETHYLENES FOR PVC by AlliedSignal Inc. (1986). See also Technical Data on A-C® Polyethylenes and Copolymers for Plastics by AlliedSignal Inc. (1973) which teaches that A-C® 629A (low density oxidized polyethylene wax) is useful for lead stabilized polyvinyl chloride. 
     Additives which speed fusion in polyvinyl chloride compositions are desired in the art. ASTM D 2538 defines fusion time as the time froth the point of loading the composition into the torque rheometer to the point of maximum torque. See also Robert A. Lindner, &#34;External Lubricants that Speed Fusion&#34;, Plastics Compounding (September/October 1989). The first and third formulations above are undesirable because the unoxidized homopolymer polyethylene wax having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 180 or 350 centipoises delays fusion and thus, increases fusion time. Additionally, the unoxidized homopolymer polyethylene wax serves as more of a fusion control rather than an external lubricant and thus, it is necessary to add an additional external lubricant such as oxidized polyethylene wax having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 200 centipoises or stearic acid to the composition. Although the first and third formulations above have good lubricity, the fusion times are too long. Additionally, stearic acid has a low melting point which means that it evaporates during normal processing conditions. 
     The second formulation above is undesirable because a processing aid is used which increases the cost of the final composition. Also, the presence of an acrylic processing aid in the final product may cause high viscosity and poor flow. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,880 discloses tin stabilized polyvinyl chloride having a lubricant package comprising oxidized polyethylene wax and a known external lubricant such as paraffin oils, paraffin waxes, liquid and solid hydrocarbons, unoxidized polyethylene waxes, montan ester waxes, lead stearate, mineral oil, 12-hydroxystearic acid, ethylene bis-stearamide, and glycol esters of fatty acids that contain 10 to 20 or more carbon atoms and cites two articles which teach the preceding known external lubricants: Illmann, &#34;Waxes as Lubricants in Plastics Processing&#34;, SPE Journal, 71 (June 1967) and King et al., &#34;Characterization of Lubricants for Polyvinyl Chloride&#34;, Polymer Engineering and Science 12(2), 112 (March 1972). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,880 also discloses that other heat stabilizers useful with polyvinyl chloride include organosulfur-containing antimony compounds and alkaline earth metal salts of carboxylic acids. The reference further states that the known external lubricants and oxidized polyethylene waxes should be compatible with most, if not all, of the conventional heat stabilizers used for polyvinyl chloride. However, Illmann, &#34;Waxes as Lubricants in Plastics Processing&#34;, SPE Journal, 71 (June 1967) and King et al., &#34;Characterization of Lubricants for Polyvinyl Chloride&#34;, Polymer Engineering and Science 12(2), 112 (March 1972) only teach tin, calcium/zinc, and barium/cadmium stabilizers in combination with the known external lubricants. Additionally, although the PLASTICS ADDITIVE HANDBOOK 3rd Edition (Hanser Publishers 1990) teaches that oxidized polyethylene waxes are suitable for tin stabilized thick-walled polyvinyl chloride, the reference does not teach that oxidized polyethylene waxes are suitable for lead stabilized thick-walled polyvinyl chloride. 
     It would be desirable to have a lead stabilized vinyl polymer composition which has improved fusion time, i.e. reduced fusion time. It would also be desirable to have a lead stabilized vinyl polymer composition which has improved fusion time, i.e. reduced fusion time, in the absence of a resinous processing aid such as an acrylic processing aid. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     We have found a composition which responds to the foregoing need in the art. Surprisingly, we have found an external lubricant composition for lead stabilized vinyl polymer wherein the external lubricant not only functions as an external lubricant but also functions as a processing aid to speed fusion. Thus, the need for a processing aid is obviated and as a result, the cost of the final product is reduced. In addition, the amount of the present external lubricant required is less than the combined amount of currently used lubricant and processing aid. 
     The present external lubricant composition for lead stabilized vinyl polymer wherein the external lubricant eliminates the need for a resinous processing aid comprises: an effective amount for lubricating the vinyl polymer of polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at a temperature of 150° C. of between about 1000 and about 100000 centipoises and an acid number as determined by standardized titration of KOH of between about 1 and about 40. 
     The present invention also provides a composition comprising: (a) vinyl polymer; (b) an effective amount for stabilizing the vinyl polymer of lead stabilizer and metallic stearate; and (c) an effective amount for lubricating the vinyl polymer of polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at a temperature of 150° C. of between about 1000 and about 100000 centipoises and an acid number as determined by standardized titration of KOH of between about 1 and about 40. 
     The present invention also provides a method for decreasing Brabender fusion time in a lead stabilized vinyl polymer comprising the step of: adding an effective amount for lubricating the vinyl polymer of polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at a temperature of 150° C. of between about 1000 and about 100000 centipoises and an acid number as determined by standardized titration of KOH of between about 1 and about 40. 
     Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and attached claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Vinyl polymers useful in the present invention include polyvinyl chloride and polymerized forms of vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinylidene halides such as vinylidene chloride vinyl pyridine, vinyl carbazole styrene, vinylbenzene, acrylic esters such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, or methylmethacrylate as well as acrylonitrile. The preferred vinyl polymer is polyvinyl chloride which includes both homopolymers of vinyl chloride and both copolymers and terpolymers of vinyl chloride with comonomers such as vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, alkyl vinyl ethers, ethylene, propylene, butylene, vinylidene chloride, alkyl acrylates and methacrylates, alkyl maleates, and alkyl fumarates. Preferably, at least 80% and more preferably 100% of the monomer to be polymerized will be a vinyl chloride monomer. Vinyl polymers useful in the present invention are commercially available. 
     Lead stabilizers useful in the present invention include tribasic lead sulfate, tetrabasic lead sulfate, dibasic lead phosphite, dibasic lead phosphite sulfite, and lead phthalate. The preferred lead stabilizer is tribasic lead sulfate. Lead stabilizers useful in the present invention are commercially available. 
     In order to enhance the effect of the lead compounds, typically metal soaps such as metallic stearates are also added. Preferred metallic stearates include cadium stearate, manganese stearate, cesium stearate, lead stearate, lithium stearate, strontium stearate, sodium stearate, calcium stearate, barium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The more preferred metallic stearates are lead stearate, calcium stearate, and barium stearate. The most preferred metallic stearate is lead stearate. Metallic stearates useful in the present invention are commercially available. 
     An effective amount for stabilizing the vinyl polymer of the lead stabilizer and metallic stearate is used. Typically, the lead stabilizer and metallic stearate are present in an amount of about 0.25 to about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts of vinyl polymer. Typically, the ratio of lead stabilizer to metallic stearate is about 1:10 to about 10:1. 
     The polyethylene of the present invention has a Brookfield viscosity at a temperature of 150° C. of between about 1000 and about 100000 centipoises and an acid number as determined by standardized titration of KOH of between about 1 and about 40. Suitable polyethylenes may be characterized as oxidized high density homopolymers of ethylene, copolymers containing acrylates and ethylene, terpolymers containing acrylates, esters, and ethylene. Preferably, oxidized high density homopolymers of ethylene are used. These polyethylenes have been oxidized to an acid number as determined by a standardized titration of KOH of more preferably between about 5 and about 40, and most preferably between about 5 and about 35. These polyethylenes typically have a density as determined by ASTM D-1505 in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.05, more preferably in the range of about 0.98 to about 1.05, and most preferably in the range of about 0.98 to about 1.00. These oxidized polyethylenes exhibit a Brookfield viscosity at a temperature of 150° C. of more preferably in the range of between about 2000 and about 90000 centipoises and most preferably in the range of between about 2500 and about 85000 centipoises. 
     Suitable oxidized polyethylenes are available from AlliedSignal Inc., Morristown, N.J. Preferred oxidized polyethylenes are listed in the following Table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
                                 Brookfield                               
Oxidized  Acid Number  Density   Viscosity                                
Polyethylene                                                              
          (mgKOH/gram) (grams/cc)                                         
                                 (cps at 150° C.)                  
______________________________________                                    
A-C ® 307A                                                            
          5-9          0.98      &gt;80000                                   
A-C ® 316A                                                            
          15-18        0.98      8500                                     
A-C ® 330                                                             
          28-32        0.99      3600                                     
A-C ® 392                                                             
          28-32        0.99      4500                                     
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     The more preferred oxidized polyethylenes are A-C® 307A and A-C® 316A oxidized polyethylenes. The most preferred oxidized polyethylene is A-C®307A oxidized polyethylene. 
     These oxidized polyethylenes as well as others which are useful in the practice of the present invention may be obtained by oxidizing polyethylenes with air or oxygen by convention procedures. Suitable methods are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,060,163 and 3,322,711 which are incorporated herein by reference. As those skilled in the art know, the oxidation results in the scission of the polymer and the formation of acid groups. In addition to the formation of acid groups on the polymer chain, esters, aldehydes, ketones, hydroxides, and peroxides are also found in various quantities along the polymer chains. 
     If too little lubricant is present in the final vinyl polymer composition, the melt viscosity of the vinyl polymer composition may be too high or the fusion time may be too short. An extremely short fusion time is undesirable for extrudable compositions because this may result in prolonged exposure of the polymer melt to elevated temperatures which results in premature degradation. If too much lubricant is present in the final vinyl polymer composition, a condition referred to as &#34;plate out&#34; may occur. The excess lubricant rises to the surface of the vinyl polymer composition and remains in contact with the heated wall of the extruder, mill, or calendar roll for a sufficient time to become charred. The char is either carried along with the molten polymer causing discoloration, or the char may form deposits along the inner wall or in the die of an extruder, thereby altering the shape of the extruder article. 
     An effective amount for lubricating the vinyl polymer of oxidized polyethylene is used. Typically, the oxidized polyethylene is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts of vinyl polymer. The oxidized polyethylene is present preferably in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts of vinyl polymer, more preferably in an amount of about 0.05 to about 1 part by weight per 100 parts of vinyl polymer, and most preferably in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1 part by weight per 100 parts of vinyl polymer. 
     In addition to the heat stabilizer, metallic stearate, and external lubricant, the present compositions may contain one or more additives conventionally employed in moldable or extrudable polymer compositions. These additives include fillers such as alkaline earth metal carbonates, pigments such as titanium dioxide, antioxidants such as sterically hindered phenols or bis-phenols, impact modifiers such as methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, and adsorbents such as the alkaline earth metal silicates and diatomaceous earth if the composition contains a significant amount of liquid ingredients. 
     The vinyl compositions to which the present external lubricants are added are rigid which means that they contain essentially no plasticizer. Such vinyl resins are useful in the production of rigid articles, principally rigid pipe, siding, containers, and sheets. 
     It is known that the effectiveness of lubricants on resin formulations may be evaluated by measurement of rheological properties of the formulation. These properties are typically studied by means of a torque rheometer consisting of a miniature mixer and a torque meter which measure the load on the mixer. The mixing forces developed within a sample of material at a certain temperature cause a deflection of a recording dynamometer. This deflection is recorded on a strip chart. This torque, which is expressed in meter-grams, is directly related to the viscosity of the melt being mixed. When a polymer of the vinyl type degrades, it crosslinks rapidly and shows a sharp rise in its melt viscosity. The time for this to occur is a measure of the thermal stability under dynamic shear conditions. A typical torque rheometer curve provides one skilled in the art with information as to melting, fusion, flow, and crosslinking in the processing of the polymer tested. This procedure is set forth in ASTM D 2538-88--&#34;Standard Practice for Fusion of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)(PVC) Compounds Using a Torque Rheometer&#34;. 
     The most generally used rheometer is the Brabender Plasticorder which essentially consists of an oil-heated roller mixing head driven by a variable speed motor equipped with means to measure the torque developed in the head. The machine is fitted with a mixing head equipped with a melt thermocouple. To determine the fusion time of a polyvinyl chloride powder blend, for example, an accurately weighed quantity of the blend is charged into the mixing head with the aid of a quick-loading chute. A graph of the torque against time is produced and the point when fusion is complete is shown by an initial peak in torque. The dynamic heat stability is measured in minutes from the start of the graph until the decomposition point which is marked by a rise in torque. 
     The present invention is more fully illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples. Unless otherwise stated, all parts are by weight. 
    
    
     COMPARATIVES AND EXAMPLES 
     For each Example, the effect of the present external lubricants for polyvinyl chloride pipe compounds was determined utilizing a Brabender Plasticorder at 190° C. jacket temperature, at 60 RPM, and sample size of 40×SPG. Each composition was prepared by blending in a Henschel mixer/br 10 minutes at 3800 RPM and for an additional 10 minutes at 2600 RPM. The fusion time and torque fusion were determined from the plastogram and are recorded below. The present lubricants used were A-C® 307A and A-C® 316A oxidized polyethylenes which are commercially available from AlliedSignal Inc., Morristown, N.J., United States of America. The properties of these oxidized polyethylenes are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
                                 Brookfield                               
Oxidized  Acid Number  Density   Viscosity                                
Polyethylene                                                              
          (mgKOH/gram) (grams/cc)                                         
                                 (cps at 150° C.)                  
______________________________________                                    
A-C ® 307A                                                            
          5-9          0.98      &gt;80000                                   
A-C ® 316A                                                            
          15-18        0.98      8500                                     
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     The Comparatives were run in the same manner as the Examples except that currently used lubricants with or without processing aids were used instead of the present lubricants. 
     For each Comparative and Example, the resin used was Shintech 950 PVC and the filler used was Atomite CaCO 3 . The pigment used was Titanox 201 TiO 2  and the lead stabilizer used was Baerostab V220MC Tribasic Lead Stabilizer (abbreviated as TBLS below). The lead stearate used was Baerostab Pb28F and the paraffin used had a melting point of 72° C. The stearic acid used was Unichema 4911 stearic acid. The acrylic processing aid used was Kaheka PA-20 (abbreviated as PA 1 below) or Metablend P501 (abbreviated as PA 2 below). The oxidized polyethylene wax used was A-C® 629 oxidized polyethylene wax having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 200 centipoises and the unoxidized polyethylene wax used was A-C® 617 unoxidized polyethylene wax having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 180 centipoises. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
COMPARATIVES A THROUGH C                                                  
Component COMP. A      COMP. B   COMP. C                                  
______________________________________                                    
PVC       100          100       100                                      
CaCO.sub.3                                                                
          3.0          3.0       3.0                                      
TiO.sub.2 1.0          1.0       1.0                                      
TBLS       0.35         0.35      0.35                                    
Lead Stearate                                                             
          1.5          1.5       1.5                                      
Paraffin  0.4          0.4       0.4                                      
Stearic Acid                                                              
          0.3          0.1       0.8                                      
Total Weight                                                              
          58.1         58.2      57.9                                     
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender 15.5         12.8      15.7                                     
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
Maximum   1850         1800      1725                                     
Torque                                                                    
(meter-grams)                                                             
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         ______________________________________                                    
COMPARATIVES D THROUGH G                                                  
           COMP.    COMP.     COMP.  COMP.                                
Component  D        E         F      G                                    
______________________________________                                    
PVC        100      100       100    100                                  
CaCO.sub.3 3.0      3.0       3.0    3.0                                  
TiO.sub.2  1.0      1.0       1.0    1.0                                  
TBLS        0.35     0.35      0.35   0.35                                
Lead Stearate                                                             
           1.5      1.5       1.5    1.5                                  
Paraffin   0.4      0.4       0.4    0.4                                  
Stearic Acid                                                              
           0.3      0.3       0.3    0.3                                  
PA1        0.3      0.8       1.5    2.0                                  
Total Weight                                                              
           57.7     57.7      57.6   57.5                                 
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender  17.4     17.5      19.1   16.8                                 
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
Maximum    1875     2000      2150   2250                                 
Torque                                                                    
(meter-grams)                                                             
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     Unlike Comparatives A through C, Comparatives D through G contained a processing aid (PA1). Comparing Comparatives D through G with Comparative A because they all contained 0.3 phr stearic acid, the fusion time increased when the processing aid (PA1 ) was added in Comparatives D through G. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
COMPARATIVES H THROUGH K                                                  
Component  COMP. H   COMP. I  COMP. J                                     
                                     COMP. K                              
______________________________________                                    
PVC        100       100      100    100                                  
CaCO.sub.3 3.0       3.0      3.0    3.0                                  
TiO.sub.2  1.0       1.0      1.0    1.0                                  
TBLS        0.35      0.35     0.35   0.35                                
Lead Stearate                                                             
           1.5       1.5      1.5    1.5                                  
Paraffin   0.4       0.4      0.4    0.4                                  
Stearic Acid                                                              
           0.3       0.3      0.3    0.3                                  
PA2        0.3       0.8      1.5    2.0                                  
Total Weight                                                              
           58.1      58.0     57.9   57.8                                 
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender  12.5      10.5     9.0    6.8                                  
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
Maximum    1850      1950     2000   2075                                 
Torque                                                                    
(meter-grams)                                                             
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     Unlike Comparatives A through C, Comparatives H through K contained a processing aid (PA2). Comparing Comparatives H through K with Comparative A because they all contained 0.3 phr stearic acid, the fusion time decreased when the processing aid (PA2) was added in Comparatives H through K. 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________
COMPARATIVES L THROUGH O                                                  
Component                                                                 
        COMP. L                                                           
              COMP. M                                                     
                    COMP. N                                               
                          COMP. O                                         
                                COMP. P                                   
                                      COMP. Q                             
__________________________________________________________________________
PVC     100   100   100   100   100   100                                 
CaCO.sub.3                                                                
        3.0   3.0   3.0   3.0   3.0   3.0                                 
TiO.sub.2                                                                 
        1.0   1.0   1.0   1.0   1.0   1.0                                 
TBLS     0.35  0.35  0.35  0.35  0.35  0.35                               
Lead Stearate                                                             
        1.5   1.5   1.5   1.5   1.5   1.5                                 
Paraffin                                                                  
        0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4                                 
A-C ® 617A                                                            
        0.3   0.1   --    --    --    --                                  
A-C ® 629A                                                            
        --    --    --    0.3   0.1   0.8                                 
Total Weight                                                              
        57.8  57.8  57.9  58.2  58.2  58.0                                
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender                                                                 
        18.1  15.7  9.8   10.4  9.6   9.6                                 
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
Maximum 1775  1750  1825  1725  1800  1625                                
Torque                                                                    
(meter-grams)                                                             
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     Comparing Comparative L with Comparative A because they both contained 0.3 phr external lubricant, the fusion time increased with the unoxidized polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 180 centipoises. Comparing Comparative M with Comparative B because they both contained 0.1 phr external lubricant, the fusion time increased with the unoxidized polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 180 centipoises. 
     Comparing Comparative O with Comparative A because they both contained 0.3 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased with the oxidized polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 200 centipoises. Comparing Comparative P with Comparative B because they both contained 0.1 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased with the oxidized polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 200 centipoises. Comparing Comparative Q with Comparative C because they both contained 0.8 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased with the oxidized polyethylene having a Brookfield viscosity at 140° C. of 200 centipoises. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
EXAMPLES 1 THROUGH 6                                                      
Component                                                                 
         EX. 1   EX. 2   EX. 3 EX. 4 EX. 5 EX. 6                          
______________________________________                                    
PVC      100     100     100   100   100   100                            
CaCO.sub.3                                                                
         3.0     3.0     3.0   3.0   3.0   3.0                            
TiO.sub.2                                                                 
         1.0     1.0     1.0   1.0   1.0   1.0                            
TBLS      0.35    0.35    0.35  0.35  0.35  0.35                          
Stearate 1.5     1.5     1.5   1.5   1.5   1.5                            
Paraffin 0.4     0.4     0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4                            
A-C ® 307A                                                            
         0.3     0.1     0.8   --    --    --                             
A-C ® 316A                                                            
         --      --      --    0.3   0.1   0.8                            
Total Weight                                                              
         57.8    57.8    57.7  58.1  58.2  58.0                           
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender                                                                 
         3.5     8.4     1.0   1.7   4.6   1.0                            
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
Maximum  1700    1750    1800  1825  1800  1900                           
Torque                                                                    
(meter-                                                                   
grams)                                                                    
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     Comparing Examples 1 and 4 with Comparatives A, D through G, H through K, L, and O because they all contained 0.3 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased dramatically when the present external lubricant was used and thus, the need for a processing aid is eliminated with the present invention. Comparing Examples 2 and 5 with Comparatives B, M, and P because they all contained 0.1 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased dramatically when the present external lubricant was used and thus, the need for a processing aid is eliminated with the present invention. Comparing Examples 3 and 6 with Comparatives C and Q because they all contained 0.8 phr external lubricant, the fusion time decreased dramatically when the present external lubricant was used and thus, the need for a processing aid is eliminated with the present invention. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
EXAMPLES 7 THROUGH 12                                                     
Component                                                                 
         EX. 7   EX. 8   EX. 9 EX. 10                                     
                                     EX. 11                               
                                           EX. 12                         
______________________________________                                    
PVC      100     100     100   100   100   100                            
CaCO.sub.3                                                                
         3.0     3.0     3.0   3.0   3.0   3.0                            
TiO.sub.2                                                                 
         1.0     1.0     1.0   1.0   1.0   1.0                            
TBLS      0.35    0.35    0.35  0.35  0.35  0.35                          
Barium   1.5     1.5     1.5   --    --    --                             
Stearate                                                                  
Calcium  --      --      --    1.5   1.5   1.5                            
Stearate                                                                  
Paraffin 0.4     0.4     0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4                            
A-C ® 307A                                                            
         0.3     0.1     0.8   0.3   0.1   0.8                            
Total Weight                                                              
         57.0    57.1    56.9  56.8  56.9  56.7                           
(grams)                                                                   
Brabender                                                                 
         0.7     0.7     0.6   0.75  0.8   0.6                            
Fusion Time                                                               
(minutes)                                                                 
15 Min   2050    2100    2050  2075  2100  2050                           
Torque                                                                    
(meter-                                                                   
grams)                                                                    
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     These results indicate that the use of barium stearate or calcium stearate with the present lubricant also provided decreased fusion time.