Chloe Zhang
Plasticizers are additives that are incorporated into plastics to increase their flexibility and softness. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to facilitate the manufacturing process and meet the demands of the end product's application. Plasticizers are produced by reacting an alcohol with an acid, and the choice of alcohol and acid determines the type of ester produced and, consequently, the kind of plasticizer. They are essential in making many products more durable, such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, and electrical wire insulation. Plasticizers are also added to concrete formulations to make them more fluid for pouring. However, there are concerns over the safety of some plasticizers, such as ortho-phthalates, which have been classified as potential endocrine disruptors. The safe use of plasticizers is regulated in Europe by the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An additive incorporated into plastics to increase softness and flexibility |
| Use | Added to materials like polymers, plastics, PVC, clays, stucco, solid rocket fuel, concrete formulations, rubber, paints, printing inks, adhesives, and sealants |
| Benefits | Makes products softer, more flexible, and durable |
| Efficiency | Increases as the molecular weight of the plasticizer decreases and the linearity of the alcohol chain increases |
| Migration | May migrate from plasticized PVC to other polymeric substances; may escape plastics due to migration and abrasion |
| Safety | Some plasticizers like Bisphenol A (BPA) have been linked to negative health effects in children; some low molecular weight ortho-phthalates are potential endocrine disruptors |
| Regulation | Strictly regulated; Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) in Europe is the most comprehensive product safety regulation |
| Market | The global market for plasticizers was 7.5 million metric tonnes in 2017; the largest market sector is the film, sheet, and coated fabric market sector |
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What You'll Learn
Plasticizers make plastic softer and more flexible
Plasticizers are additives that are incorporated into plastics to make them softer and more flexible. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to facilitate the handling of the raw material during fabrication or to meet the demands of the end product's application. Plasticizers are especially key to the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the third most widely used plastic. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle; with them, it becomes flexible and soft enough to withstand physical stress without breaking. It can then be used for products such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, plumbing, and electric wire insulation.
Plasticizers are produced by reacting an alcohol with an acid, such as adipic acid or phthalic anhydride. The choice of alcohol and acid determines the type of ester that can be produced and, consequently, the kind of plasticizer. Ester plasticizers are selected based on cost-performance evaluation, with a wide variety of ester chemistries in production, including sebacates, adipates, terephthalates, and more.
The molecules of plasticizers act as a lubricant between segments of polymer chains, increasing their mobility and preventing them from sitting rigidly on top of each other. This action increases the "free volume" of the plastic, swelling the polymer chains and lowering the glass transition temperature, making the plastic softer.
Plasticizers are also added to other materials to improve their properties. For example, they are added to concrete formulations to make them more fluid and workable for pouring. They are also added to clays, stucco, solid rocket fuel, and other pastes before moulding and forming. Plasticizers are even responsible for the ""new car smell", as they are added to the plastics and polymers used in car interiors.
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They are added to polymers and plastics like PVC
Plasticizers are additives incorporated into plastics to increase their flexibility and softness, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC, which is the third most widely used plastic. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle, but with them, it becomes flexible and soft, making it suitable for various applications.
The primary purpose of adding plasticizers to polymers and plastics like PVC is to enhance their plasticity and flexibility while reducing viscosity and friction during handling and manufacturing. This transformation is particularly notable in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which becomes a versatile material with numerous applications when combined with plasticizers.
Plasticizers work by embedding themselves between the chains of polymers, creating space and increasing the "free volume." This action also lowers the glass transition temperature, making the plastic softer and more pliable. The molecules of plasticizers take control of the mobility of the polymer chains, allowing them to move freely instead of sitting rigidly on top of each other. This process is similar to how olive oil allows cooked pasta to move freely instead of remaining stiff like uncooked spaghetti.
The type of plasticizer used depends on various factors, including the desired physical characteristics, performance requirements, and compatibility with other compounds. For example, ester plasticizers are selected based on cost-performance evaluation, compatibility, processibility, and permanence. The choice of alcohol and acid used in the production process also determines the type of ester and, consequently, the kind of plasticizer produced.
Plasticizers are essential in the polymer industry, particularly with PVC, as they enable the material to take on specific shapes and withstand physical stress without breaking. They are key to the usability of PVC and are used in a wide range of applications, including flooring, wall coverings, roofing, electrical cable insulation, automotive parts, medical devices, and synthetic leather goods.
While plasticizers offer significant benefits, there are also concerns about their safety. Some plasticizers, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), have been linked to negative health effects in children. Additionally, leaching, migration, and abrasion of plasticizers from plastics have been observed, potentially leading to product contamination and rigidity. However, studies have shown that plasticizers do not readily migrate or leach into the environment from items as they are physically bound within the PVC matrix.
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Plasticizer efficiency depends on temperature and concentration
A plasticizer is an additive incorporated into plastics to increase their softness, flexibility, and plasticity while decreasing their viscosity and friction during handling in manufacturing. Plasticizer efficiency is the ability of a plasticizer to make a product softer. This efficiency is dependent on temperature and concentration.
The effect of plasticizers on elastic modulus is influenced by both temperature and plasticizer concentration. At all concentrations, the material's glass transition temperature decreases. However, below a certain concentration, known as the crossover concentration, a plasticizer can decrease the modulus of a material. Similarly, there is a crossover temperature below which the plasticizer will increase the modulus.
The temperature-dependence of plasticizer loss is more pronounced in the evaporation process compared to the diffusion process. There is a "transition" temperature (Tc) where evaporation switches from being the dominant factor to diffusion becoming the dominant factor in the loss of plasticizer. For example, in a PVC-DEHP system, Tc is between 110 and 120 °C, while in an NBR-DEHP system, it is between 90 and 120 °C.
The Arrhenius law governs both plasticizer evaporation and diffusion processes, and it is essential to consider the concentration-dependent diffusion activation energy and temperature-dependent evaporation activation energy when dealing with high plasticizer concentrations and temperature intervals. The mobility of a polymer chain is influenced by the molecules of the plasticizer, and the effect of plasticizers on elastic modulus is dependent on temperature and concentration.
Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers and plastics like PVC to enhance their flexibility and durability. They are crucial in the manufacturing process, facilitating the handling of raw materials and ensuring the final product meets application demands.
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Plasticizer migration can cause PVC to stiffen
Plasticizers are additives incorporated into plastics to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction during handling in manufacturing. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to make them softer and more flexible. Without plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle, but with them, it can be used for vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, and plumbing, among other applications.
However, plasticizer migration can occur when plasticizers move from PVC to another material, causing performance problems. This migration can happen when there is little interaction between the polymer and plasticizer, or when the plasticizer is not compatible with the PVC formulation. When plasticizers migrate out of PVC, they can cause the PVC to stiffen and become brittle. This can lead to issues such as shrinking, shattering, and cracking in PVC roof systems.
Plasticizer migration can also cause aesthetic issues, such as fogging in automotive glass applications, paint damage, and dirt pickup on adhesives. In addition, migration can cause other additives, such as UV stabilizers and anti-oxidants, to migrate as well, further deteriorating the performance of the adhesive.
To address these issues, some manufacturers have modified their PVC formulas to improve plasticizer compatibility, while others have substituted plasticizers with alternative products like KEE, which does not migrate away from the PVC sheet. These modified formulas help prevent plasticizer migration and the resulting stiffening of PVC, ensuring the material maintains its flexibility and performance.
Overall, plasticizer migration is a complex issue that can impact the performance and aesthetics of PVC products. By understanding the causes and consequences of migration, manufacturers can develop effective solutions to ensure the durability and usability of PVC in various applications.
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Plasticizers are regulated for safety
Plasticizers are additives incorporated into plastics to increase their flexibility, plasticity, and softness. They are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC to improve their handling during fabrication and meet the demands of the end product. Plasticizers are essential in the production 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 products such as vinyl siding, roofing, and plumbing.
Due to their widespread use in various products, including food containers, toys, medicines, and cosmetics, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with plasticizers. Studies have shown that specific plasticizers, including phthalates, bisphenols, and their substitutes, can disrupt the endocrine systems of both animals and humans, leading to their classification as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The elevated levels of plasticizer substitutes found within the general population have prompted a comprehensive assessment of their potential health impacts.
Recognizing the potential health risks associated with plasticizer exposure, regulatory actions have been implemented to ensure their safe use. The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) organization, known for its strict safety regulations, has evaluated the safety of plasticizers. As a result, some lower molecular weight phthalates are no longer permitted for use in children's toys and childcare articles due to perceived health problems.
To address the concerns related to endocrine disruption from phthalate exposure, alternative plasticizers have been introduced. These include citrates, benzoate esters, alkyl sulphonic phenyl esters (Mesamoll®), di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (Hexamoll® DINCH), and bio-based plasticizers. The development and utilization of these alternative plasticizers demonstrate an ongoing effort to balance the functionality of plasticizers with the need to ensure their safety for human health and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
A plasticizer is an additive incorporated into plastics and polymers to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to handle during the manufacturing process.
Plasticizers are added to plastics to increase their plasticity, decrease viscosity, and reduce friction during handling. They also help meet the demands of the end product's application. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is hard and brittle without plasticizers, but with them, it can be used for vinyl siding, roofing, flooring, plumbing, and electrical wire insulation.
The safe use of plasticizers is regulated in many regions. While some plasticizers like Bisphenol A (BPA) have been linked to negative health effects, the majority of plasticizers have not been classified as causing adverse health effects. Migration of plasticizers from plastics due to abrasion or degradation is a concern, but it is not a common occurrence as plasticizers are bound within the PVC matrix.
