Plasticizers - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) | S&P Global
Plasticizers and plasticization 17 Phthalates 19 Terephthalates 19 Aliphatics 20 Epoxidized vegetable oils 20 Trimellitates 20 Benzoates 20 Phosphate plasticizers 20 Polymeric plasticizers 21 Manufacturing processes 22 Polycarboxylic acid esters 22 Terephthalates 22 Epoxidized vegetable oils 22 Phosphate plasticizers 22 Polymeric plasticizers 22
Plasticizers: Types, Uses, Classification, Selection & Regulation
Most common plasticiser chemistries include citrates, benzoates, ortho-phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, azelates, sebacates, and trimellitates. Plasticizers are the most common additives used in the plastics industry. But, selecting the right plasticizer for an application has always been a daunting task.
Selecting Plasticizers for Adhesives and Sealants
Plasticizers are used in all types of adhesive and sealant formulations. They are used primarily to the final bond and to provide improved low-temperature properties. However, plasticizers can also supply additional benefits that are important to both the formulator and end-user.
Soft PVC foams: Study of the gelation, fusion, and foaming
PVC plastisols are used in the production of flexible PVC foams. Phthalates are the most used plasticizers for PVC, and in a previous article (part I of this series), we discussed the influence of phthalate ester type plasticizers on the foaming process and on the quality of the foams obtained from the corresponding plastisols.
Mexico - Plastics and Resins - International Trade Administration
The plastics and resins industry is a best prospect for U.S. exporters in Mexico. Mexico is the largest market for U.S. exporters of plastic products (HS-39), totaling USD 19.3 billion in 2025, and the second-largest destination for U.S. rubber (HS-40), which totaled USD 3.3 billion in 2025. Together these export categories represent 26 percent
- What is a citrate plasticizer?
- Citrate plasticizers are made of citrates which are esters of citric acid. They can be found in oily liquid form and they are practically colourless and odourless. They are used in paints, coatings and inks but also in food packaging products, cling wrap, toys and medical applications.
- Which materials can be plasticized with citrates?
- Some properties of materials plasticized with citrates can match those plasticized with DOP but the cost of their production is substantially higher. Tri Butyl Citrate is a high boiling substance, is used as a solvent and plasticizer for polymers especially for PVC and its copolymers which are subsequently applied to food wrapping film.
- Why are citrate plasticizers not used in film applications?
- However, citrate plasticizers are highly volatile and a significant amount is lost due to this property. Citrates lack permanency. Hence, they are not employed in resilient applications like cables, flooring, or roofing. They induce more fogging in film applications.
- What are citrate esters used for?
- They have been used mainly as plasticizers with cellulosics, PVC, polyvinyl acetate, and other polymers used in medical plastics and food contact packaging. Some citrate esters find specialty use in blood bags and food wraps. Citrates are also used in toys produced by the plastisol process.
- Does citric acid act as a plasticizer?
- Sharmin et al. investigated the effect of citric acid (CA) as a crosslinking agent on the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of alginate film and found that CA can act as a plasticizer at higher concentrations. CA was added at 0.5, 1, and 2 w/v% to alginate.
- What are hydrophilic plasticizers?
- This hydrophilicity can lead to an increase in WVP and a tendency of the polymer to absorb more water from the environment. Hydrophobic plasticizers, such as vegetable oils, triacetin, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and fatty acids are good alternatives to solve this problem.
