Thermal Degradation and Thermal Decomposition of Plasticized PVC Including POSS Additives for PVC Compounds: Mechanisms, Impact, and Performance of Standards

Poly(vinyl chloride) has been a key polymeric material since its commercial production in 1931, demonstrating versatility across numerous industries due to its compatibility with various additives. PVC's inherent properties, flame retardance, durability, and recyclability make it ideal for building and construction, which accounts for a significant portion of its consumption in Europe. This paper reviews the thermal degradation, decomposition, and combustion behavior of plasticized PVC, focusing mainly on classical stabilization systems and novel nanostructured additives such as polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), which offer promising advances in improving PVC's thermal stability and fire performance. The review highlights how these aspects, mainly when addressed with innovative additives, could shape the future of PVC compounds in high-performance applications, especially in the cable industry, where fire performance and regulatory compliance are increasingly important.