Chloe Zhang
Plasticizers are chemical additives used to make plastics or rubbers softer, more flexible, and easier to handle during manufacturing. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, and are especially important for the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plasticizers are also added to concrete formulations to improve fluidity and workability. In the context of rubber, plasticizers are used to improve the processability and material properties of the rubber compound, reduce viscosity, and enhance flexibility. The choice of plasticizer depends on the specific type of rubber and the desired characteristics, with nonpolar plasticizers used for nonpolar polymers and polar plasticizers for polar polymers. Various types of plasticizers are available for use in rubber, including mineral oil-based, synthetic, and natural plasticizers, with companies like Hallstar and Nordmann offering specialty plasticizers for rubber/elastomers. The use of plasticizers in rubber products, however, can lead to plasticizer loss through diffusion and evaporation, impacting the mechanical properties and potentially contaminating the surrounding environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of plasticizers | To make rubber softer and more flexible, to increase its plasticity, to decrease its viscosity, and/or to decrease friction during its handling in manufacture |
| Plasticizers used in rubber | Naphthenic mineral oils, HyPrene oils, EcoPrene process oils, Aromatic mineral oils, KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER, Lucant, Maglite® magnesium oxide, Plasthall®, vegetable oils, phthalates, sebacates, adipates, terephthalates, dibenzoates, glutarates, azelates, oleates, tallates, etc. |
| Plasticizer selection criteria | Compatibility, processibility, permanence, performance, solubility parameter, molecular weight, chemical structure, toxicity, compatibility with the host material, volatility, expense |
| Plasticizer migration | Plasticizers can migrate from polymers to a surrounding gas phase, leading to poorer mechanical properties and environmental contamination |
| Biodegradability | Research is being conducted to find sustainable alternatives to conventional plasticizers, such as epoxidized esters of glycerol formal from soybean and canola oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Plasticizers are chemical additives that make rubber softer and more flexible
- They are low-viscosity substances that serve as low-volatility solvents
- Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC
- They are used to improve the physical properties of rubber
- Some plasticizers are restricted due to health and environmental concerns
Plasticizers are chemical additives that make rubber softer and more flexible
Plasticizers are chemical additives that improve flexibility, plasticity, and softness while reducing friction and viscosity. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics, such as PVC, to enhance handling during fabrication and meet the requirements of the final product. Plasticizers are crucial in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production, transforming it from a hard and brittle material into a versatile plastic suitable for various applications, including vinyl siding, roofing, flooring, and plumbing.
In the context of rubber, plasticizers are used to enhance the compatibility and performance of specific formulations. For instance, sebacate-based plasticizers exhibit excellent compatibility with synthetic rubbers like nitrile rubber and neoprene, offering superior properties at low temperatures and good oil resistivity. The use of plasticizers in rubber products, such as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), can lead to plasticiser loss through diffusion and evaporation, impacting the mechanical properties of the material.
The effectiveness of plasticizers depends on factors such as temperature and concentration. At specific concentrations, known as crossover concentrations, plasticizers can decrease the elastic modulus of a material while lowering its glass transition temperature. Additionally, plasticizers are employed in concrete formulations to enhance workability and fluidity, allowing for reduced water content and faster drying times.
Plasticizers are manufactured from various substances, with a focus on compatibility and performance. For instance, ester plasticizers, commonly used in rubber, are selected based on cost-performance evaluation, compatibility, processibility, and permanence. Phthalate esters have traditionally been dominant, but regulatory concerns have led to a shift towards non-classified alternatives, especially in Europe.
The safety of plasticizers has been a subject of research, with organizations like REACH and the FDA determining that most plasticizers are safe. However, certain phthalates are restricted or listed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH Regulation, and the use of specific plasticizers in food contact materials and toys is regulated. Overall, plasticizers play a crucial role in improving the flexibility, softness, and processibility of rubber and other materials.
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They are low-viscosity substances that serve as low-volatility solvents
Plasticizers are substances added to materials, such as plastics, to enhance their flexibility, workability, or stretchability. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC to make them softer and more flexible, and to increase their plasticity. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle, but with them, it can be used for vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, and plumbing.
Plasticizers are low-viscosity substances that serve as low-volatility solvents in rubber. They are added to polymers to reduce mixture viscosity, improve injection moulding and calendering properties, promote filler absorption, increase mixture tackiness, and act as a stretching agent to reduce costs. The viscosity of the plasticizer influences the molecular weight and processability of the rubber compound.
The use of plasticizers in rubber compounds offers excellent colour stability, low volatility, and low sulfur content. Shell Ondina oils, for instance, are compatible with a range of polymers, including BR, EPDM, IIR, and NR. Naphthenic mineral oils, another type of mineral oil plasticizer, contain cycloalkane compounds and are used in rubber processing.
Process oils, such as HyPrene oils from Ergon International, offer higher solubility and improved physical properties of elastomers. They are ideal for processing at low temperatures and are compatible with polymers like NR, SBR, EPDM, BR, and NBR. Polymerized ester plasticizers are known for their increased migration and extraction resistance, as well as their compatibility with various polymers.
Phosphates or phosphoric acid esters are often used as flame-retardant plasticizers, although they are only compatible with non-polar rubbers in small quantities. A plasticizer that is compatible with PVC, exhibits low volatility, good permanence, and high efficiency, is referred to as a primary plasticizer.
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Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC
Plasticizers are substances that are added to materials to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to handle during the manufacturing process. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC to improve their flexibility and durability. In fact, about 90% of polymer plasticizers are used in PVC, making it suitable for products such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, plumbing, and electric wire insulation. Without plasticizers, PVC would remain a hard and brittle material.
There are two main types of plasticizers: primary and secondary. Primary plasticizers enhance the elongation, softness, and flexibility of polymers and can be added in large quantities due to their high compatibility. On the other hand, secondary plasticizers typically cannot be used as the sole plasticizer in a polymer and may have limited compatibility. They are often used in conjunction with primary plasticizers to reduce costs.
Plasticizers are selected based on various criteria, including low toxicity, compatibility with the host material, non-volatility, and cost. Phthalate esters, for instance, have traditionally been the most dominant plasticizers due to their compatibility with many criteria. However, regulatory concerns have led to a shift towards non-classified substances, especially in Europe.
Plasticizers are also commonly used in other plastics and polymers, such as acrylates and cellulose-type plastics. They are added to concrete formulations to make them more fluid and workable, improving the overall performance of the concrete. Additionally, plasticizers are used in rubber and adhesives, enhancing flexibility and processibility.
The use of plasticizers extends across various industries, including medical thermoforming for IV bags and flexible devices, and telecommunications for durable and flexible casing around wires and cables. With over 30,000 substances tested for use as polymer plasticizers, only about 50 are currently available, divided into four families: phthalates, dicarbonates, phosphates, and fatty acid esters.
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They are used to improve the physical properties of rubber
Plasticizers are added to rubber to improve its physical properties. Plasticizers are chemicals that can be added to polymers and plastics to make them softer and more flexible, to increase their plasticity, and to decrease their viscosity. The process of adding plasticizers to rubber is called plasticization. Plasticizers are commonly added to natural or synthetic rubber to make it more flexible and pliable. The amount and type of plasticizer used can affect the physical and chemical properties of the rubber, such as its hardness, strength, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasion.
For example, plasticizers are especially key to the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the absence of plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle; with plasticizers, it becomes suitable for products such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, rain gutters, plumbing, and electric wire insulation/coating. Similarly, plasticizers are added to concrete formulations to make them more workable and fluid for pouring.
In the context of rubber, plasticizers provide excellent compatibility with a range of synthetic rubbers, specifically nitrile rubber and neoprene, superior properties at low temperatures, and good oil resistivity. For instance, alkyl sulphonic acid phenyl ester (ASE) and triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate are examples of plasticizers that provide these benefits.
Additionally, plasticizers can be used to improve the physical properties of energetic materials, such as solid rocket propellants and smokeless powders for guns. Energetic plasticizers improve the physical properties of these materials while also increasing their specific energy yield. They reduce the required mass of propellant, enabling a rocket vehicle to carry more payload or reach higher velocities.
The selection of a specific plasticizer for rubber depends on various factors, including cost-performance evaluation, compatibility, processibility, permanence, and other performance properties. For instance, ester plasticizers, such as sebacates, adipates, and phthalates, are commonly used in rubber formulations due to their compatibility and performance attributes.
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Some plasticizers are restricted due to health and environmental concerns
Plasticizers are substances added to materials to increase their plasticity, decrease their viscosity, and decrease friction during handling in manufacturing. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, and are essential to the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plasticizers are also added to concrete formulations to make them more fluid and workable for pouring.
One specific type of phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), has been classified by an EU working group as teratogenic and harmful to human fertility. As a result, the European plastics industry has significantly reduced its use of DEHP, and it is continuing to decline. DEHP has also been identified as an endocrine disruptor by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Member States Committee, although this conclusion is disputed by some scientific evidence.
Bisphenol A (BPA) and organophosphate esters are other plasticizers that have been restricted due to health concerns. These substances were detected in dust samples from Swedish preschools, highlighting the presence of hazardous substances in indoor environments frequented by children. To address these concerns, alternative plasticizers such as DEHA and DEHT have been introduced, but their concentrations are also increasing, and they may pose similar risks as phthalates.
The choice of plasticizer must consider rigorous performance, cost, availability, health, and environmental requirements imposed by the market, users, and regulations. The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation in Europe helps ensure the safe use of plasticizers, and extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate their effects on humans and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Plasticizers are chemical additives that make plastics or rubbers softer and more flexible. They are also called softeners or plasticiser.
Plasticizers are added to rubber to improve its physical properties and reduce costs. They also help in reducing viscosity, improving injection moulding, promoting filler absorption, and increasing mixture tackiness.
Some examples of plasticizers used in rubber include Plasthall, Kuraray Liquid Rubber, Maglite, vegetable oils, and mineral oils.
Yes, some plasticizers may pose health risks or have inadequate material properties. Certain phthalates are restricted under the REACH Regulation and are listed as Substances of Very High Concern. It is important to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and consider the potential impact on human health and the environment.
