Chloe Zhang
Plasticizers are additives that are incorporated into plastics to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction during handling and manufacturing. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to make them softer and more flexible. Phthalate plasticizers, for instance, are widely used due to their compatibility with PVC, low volatility, weather resistance, and durability. Another example is di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a low molecular weight ortho-phthalate that is the world's most widely used PVC plasticizer. Other plasticizers, such as epoxidized soybean oil, are used as secondary plasticizers in vinyl applications. The selection of a plasticizer depends on various factors, including performance requirements, processing needs, cost, and regulatory compliance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A substance or additive incorporated in a plastic to impart softness and flexibility in order to facilitate the manufacturing process |
| Common Types | Phthalate Esters, Adipate-based, Sebacate-based, Alkyl sulphonic acid phenyl ester, Epoxidized soybean oil, Vegetable oil derivatives, Isosorbide diesters, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, Dioctyl adipate plasticizer, DEHP, DIDP, DINP |
| Uses | Added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, concrete, clays, stucco, solid rocket fuel, adhesives, rubber, medical products, vinyl flooring, roofing, plumbing, electrical insulation, coated fabrics, etc. |
| Properties | Low volatility, weather-resistance, low solubility in water, resistance to biodegradation, low toxicity, compatibility with host material, non-volatility, reduced friction, etc. |
| Benefits | Enhances flexibility, durability, temperature resilience, electrical insulation, and workability of the host material |
| Market Size | The global market for plasticizers was 7.5 million metric tonnes in 2017 |
| Safety | The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concluded that DEHP is an endocrine disruptor, but this has been disputed. Other plasticizers have not been associated with adverse health effects. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plasticizers are added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible
- They are used in concrete and stucco to reduce water content and improve workability
- Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Phthalate plasticizers are the most common type, offering low volatility and weather resistance
- Plasticizers are classified by chemical composition, with different types affecting unique properties
Plasticizers are added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible
Plasticizers are additives incorporated into plastics to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction during handling and manufacture. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to make them softer and more flexible. This enhances the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is the third most widely used plastic. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle, but with them, it becomes suitable for various applications, including vinyl siding, roofing, flooring, plumbing, and electrical insulation.
The most common type of plasticizer is phthalate esters, which are produced by esterifying phthalic anhydride or phthalic acid. These plasticizers are popular due to their compatibility with PVC, low volatility, weather resistance, and durability. However, regulatory concerns have led to a shift towards alternative types, such as adipate-based plasticizers like bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and bio-based plasticizers like epoxidized soybean oil.
Plasticizers work by embedding themselves between polymer chains, increasing the "free volume" and reducing the glass transition temperature, making the plastic softer. They also enhance the durability of PVC applications, ensuring high performance for up to 50 years. The amount of plasticizer added can vary the flexibility of the final product, with vinyl gloves, for example, containing up to 50% plasticizers for softness and flexibility.
In addition to plastics, plasticizers are also added to other materials such as concrete, stucco, clays, solid rocket fuel, and adhesives. In concrete and stucco, they reduce the amount of water needed, creating a stronger and more workable substance. Plasticizers are essential in making these materials more fluid and easy to pour or mix, improving their overall performance and reducing drying time.
The selection of a specific plasticizer depends on various factors, including end-use performance requirements, processing needs, cost, and regulatory compliance. While plasticizers offer numerous benefits, there are also misconceptions and concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts. Studies are ongoing to address these concerns and ensure the safe and sustainable use of plasticizers in various applications.
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They are used in concrete and stucco to reduce water content and improve workability
Plasticizers are substances that are added to materials to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to shape and mould. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics, such as PVC, to improve their flexibility and durability, and to facilitate the handling of the raw material during fabrication.
Concrete and stucco are two other materials that often contain plasticizers. When added to concrete mixtures, plasticizers allow for the reduction of water content, resulting in a stronger and more workable substance. The strength of concrete is inversely proportional to the amount of water added, so by adding a plasticizer, less water is needed, and the concrete becomes more workable and fluid for pouring. This also reduces the time required for drying.
In the case of stucco, plasticizers are added to improve workability, especially in wallboard stucco mixtures. Similar to concrete, the addition of a plasticizer to stucco reduces the water content, making it easier to work with and mix. The use of plasticizers in stucco also decreases the drying time compared to traditional gypsum mixtures.
The amount of plasticizer added to concrete or stucco mixtures is typically around one to two percent. This small addition of plasticizer helps to improve the overall performance of the mixture, making it more workable and reducing the water content.
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Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Plasticizers are substances that are added to materials to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction during handling and manufacture. They are commonly added to polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to enhance flexibility, durability, and softness.
PVC is the third most widely used plastic, and plasticizers play a crucial role in its usability. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle. However, when plasticizers are added, PVC becomes suitable for various applications, such as vinyl siding, roofing, flooring, plumbing, and electrical insulation. Plasticizers improve the workability and fluidity of PVC, allowing for reduced water content during processing.
The most common type of plasticizer used with PVC is phthalate esters, which offer excellent compatibility and enhance the flexibility and durability of the material. Phthalate plasticizers have low volatility, weather resistance, low water solubility, and resistance to biodegradation. They are widely used in various industries, including the food and construction industries.
Other types of plasticizers used with PVC include adipate-based plasticizers, such as bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), which is suitable for low-temperature applications and provides resistance to ultraviolet light. Sebacate-based plasticizers are also used and offer good compatibility with synthetic rubbers and excellent low-temperature performance. Bio-based plasticizers, such as epoxidized soybean oil, are gaining popularity as secondary plasticizers in vinyl applications.
The selection of the appropriate plasticizer depends on various factors, including end-use performance requirements, processing needs, cost, and regulatory compliance. The addition of plasticizers to PVC can be achieved through methods such as suspension PVC (S-PVC), where the PVC particles are mixed with plasticizers and further processed through extrusion and injection molding.
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Phthalate plasticizers are the most common type, offering low volatility and weather resistance
Plasticizers are substances added to materials like polymers, plastics, concrete, and rubber to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to handle during manufacturing. They are commonly used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to improve its flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.
Phthalate plasticizers are a specific type of plasticizer derived from phthalic acid. They are the most prevalent type of plasticizer, constituting over 85% of the tonnage produced annually. Phthalates are favoured due to their low cost, easy availability, and ability to enhance the flexibility of PVC.
Phthalate plasticizers offer several advantages, including low volatility and weather resistance. Their low volatility is attributed to their chemical composition, which includes high boiling points and low vapour pressures. This makes them suitable for applications requiring weather resistance, such as outdoor cladding and roofing.
Despite their widespread use, phthalate plasticizers have come under scrutiny due to health concerns. Studies have indicated potential carcinogenic effects, and their presence in medical devices and food packaging raises the risk of human exposure through ingestion or absorption. Regulatory bodies have restricted the use of low molecular weight phthalate plasticizers due to their hazardous properties, prompting a shift towards high molecular weight phthalates and non-phthalate alternatives.
In summary, phthalate plasticizers are the predominant type of plasticizer, offering advantages such as low volatility and weather resistance. However, health concerns and regulatory actions have led to a transition towards alternative plasticizers to address potential hazards associated with phthalates.
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Plasticizers are classified by chemical composition, with different types affecting unique properties
Plasticizers are substances that are added to materials to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to handle and mould. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, as well as rubber, adhesives, concrete, and stucco. The addition of plasticizers to concrete formulations, for instance, reduces the amount of water required, resulting in a stronger and more workable substance.
Plasticizers are classified based on their chemical composition, and they can be divided into two main groups: primary and secondary plasticizers. Primary plasticizers enhance elongation, softness, and flexibility in polymers. They are highly compatible with polymers and can be added in large quantities. On the other hand, secondary plasticizers typically cannot be used as the sole plasticizer in a plasticized polymer. Extenders are a type of secondary plasticizer that is used with primary plasticizers to reduce costs in flexible PVC.
The chemical composition of plasticizers varies, and they can be derived from different sources. Some plasticizers are based on phthalate esters, which are produced by the esterification of phthalic anhydride or phthalic acid. Phthalate esters have traditionally been the most dominant type of plasticizer due to their compatibility and performance attributes. However, regulatory concerns have led to a shift towards non-classified alternatives, such as high molecular weight ortho-phthalates.
Another type of plasticizer is adipate-based plasticizers, which are used for low-temperature applications or when resistance to ultraviolet light is required. An example of an adipate-based plasticizer is bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA or dioctyl adipate plasticizer). Sebacate-based plasticizers are also known for their excellent compatibility with a range of plastic materials and synthetic rubbers, superior properties at low temperatures, and good oil resistivity.
Bio-based plasticizers have gained importance as a phthalate alternative, reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based feedstock. Epoxidized soybean oil, for instance, is used as a secondary plasticizer in many vinyl applications. Isosorbide diesters are another type of bio-based plasticizer that offers a non-toxic alternative to phthalates and promising properties for PVC.
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Frequently asked questions
A plasticizer is a substance added to materials, such as polymers and plastics, to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction.
Common plasticizers include phthalate esters, adipate-based plasticizers, and epoxidized soybean oil. Phthalate esters are the most widely used plasticizers due to their compatibility with PVC. Adipate-based plasticizers are used for low-temperature applications or resistance to ultraviolet light.
Plasticizers are used in PVC to enhance its flexibility, durability, and softness. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle, but with the addition of plasticizers, it becomes suitable for various applications such as vinyl siding, roofing, flooring, and electrical insulation.
