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Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Additives - Plasticizers |
Plasticizers are usually added to polymers to get more flexible products. Plasticization of a resin can often be achieved in two main routes, namely internal plasticization or external plasticization. Internal plasticization is usually done by copolymerization with other monomers. External plasticization, the most widely used method to get flexible PVC, is done by processing the resin with plasticizers. |
There are various ways of categorizing the plasticizers used in PVC industry. Depending on the number of repeating units in the molecule, plasticizers can be categorized into monomeric or polymeric plasticizers, or they can be categorized by the performance, -- general purpose, strong solvating, low temperature performing, less volatile and other aspects--. Another way of categorizing the plasticizers is by the level of use, -- primary plasticizers and secondary plasticizers--. |
Monomeric Plasticizers As shown in the Figure 1, monomeric plasticizers can be categorized in to various groups according to the primary chemical building block group, including phthalates, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid esters, hydrocarbons, epoxies, phosphates and other groups.There are a broad range of plasticizers that are made to tailor the end-use performance, process requirements and the cost. |
Phthalate based monomeric plasticizers Phthalates, which mostly used as PVC plasticizers are estimated to be produced over 470 million pound per year. More >> |
Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester based monomeric plasticizers Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester based plasticizers are primarily used to improve low temperature properties. More >> |
Hydrocarbon based monomeric plasticizers There are various hydrocarbon based plasticizers mainly derived from petroleum and coal tar fractions, however, most of them are unsuitable due to their high odor and poor clarity. More >>> |
Epoxy based monomeric plasticizers Epoxy plasticizers (epoxides) are used in almost every PVC formulations due to their heat and light stabilizing properties. They are usually synthesized by the epoxidation of the olefinic double bonds of the starting material to form oxirane rings which are characteristic to epoxides. more>> |
Phosphate based monomeric plasticizers |
Other monomeric plasticizers Depending on the processing conditions and/or the expected end use, highly specialized plasticizers are used. For example, TXIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate) is a non-phthalate plasticizer, that is usually used in plastisol applications to get reduced viscosity. Due to the low initial viscosity and ease of processing, TXIB has found wide variety of applications including, nail care, plastisol, sheet vinyl flooring, toys, sporting goods, vinyl gloves, wall coverings etc. It is a highly volatile plasticizer, thus, offers stain resistance properties to the end product. |
Citrate Plasticizers Citrates are specialty plasticizers that offer better biodegradability and less biochemical affects, and thus found applications in PVC blood bags; controlled release pharmaceutical drugs, gums, products that comes contact with food such as food wrap etc. More >> |
Polymeric Plasticizers Sebacates Poly adipates Examples of commercially available Poly adipates (Polyesters of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids ) includes PALAMOLL® 632 and PALAMOLL® 858 by BASF. More>> |