PVC Discoloration

PVC fabrics are used extensively in boats. Glen Raven Fabrics decided to hire Plastic Expert Group to figure out the root cause of the PVC discoloration. We performed an extensive analysis of discolored PVC fabrics to identify the chemistry taking place in the fabric that was causing the discoloration (called “pinking”). We discovered that the amine catalyst in the polyurethane foam backing underneath the PVC was migrating into the PVC causing it to degrade and discolor. Glen Raven published the results of our work in Marine Industry magazines in order to get the word out that the root cause of the discoloration problem had been finally figured out.