Plasticizers: Types, Uses, Classification, Selection & Regulation
Plasticizers increase the flow and thermoplasticity of a polymer by decreasing the viscosity of the polymer melt, the glass transition temperature (Tg), the melting temperature (Tm) and the elastic modulus of the finished product without altering the fundamental chemical character of the plasticized material.
Plasticizer - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Good plasticization involves interspersing plasticizer molecules between PVC chains, breaking the small amount of native PVC crystallinity, and internally lubricating the polymer blend. While there is no formal chemical bond between plasticizer and polymer, the polar attraction between them makes plasticized PVC more than a simple physical mixture.
What Plasticizers Do & How They Affect Properties - Osborne Industries
Plasticizers act like a lubricant among polymer chains to reduce rigidity. Without them, synthetic polymer materials would be too brittle and rigid for any practical purpose. For example, plasticizers give rubber its extensibility. Approximately 90% of all plasticizers are used in polyvinyl chloride, or PVC.
Plasticizer
It was commonly thought that plasticizers work by embedding themselves between the chains of polymers, spacing them apart (increasing the "free volume"), [3] [4] or swelling them and thus significantly lowering the glass transition temperature for the plastic and making it softer.
Selecting Plasticizers for Adhesives and Sealants
Plasticizers that are used in adhesive and sealant formulations are generally chosen on the basis of the following criteria: Compatibility with a given polymer or set of component ingredients. Compounding characteristics. Effect of plasticizer on the rheological properties of the polymer.
- What are plasticizers & how do they work?
- Plasticizers are non-volatile organic substances (mainly liquids) added into a plastic or elastomer. They are also usually cheaper than other additives. They improve the following properties of the polymers: Plasticizers increase the flow and thermoplasticity of a polymer.
- Why are plasticizers important?
- Plasticizers prevent the development of microcracks in the polymer matrix. They thereby enhance material durability and resistance to mechanical stress. Well-chosen plasticizers can also improve resistance to UV exposure and chemical attack. This contributes to the long-term stability of the polymer.
- What is a plasticizer chemistry?
- Plasticizers are the most used additives in the plastics industry. They are generally available as non-volatile, colorless liquids. They improve the properties of the polymer. With several plasticizer chemistries available in the market choosing the right one can be daunting. In this guide, you will read more about:
- How do plasticizers affect a polymer?
- Well-chosen plasticizers can also improve resistance to UV exposure and chemical attack. This contributes to the long-term stability of the polymer. In specific applications, plasticizers can influence the dielectric properties of polymers.
- Why do plasticizers change properties?
- This change is due to the addition of specific additives, especially plasticizers. A plasticizer is a non-volatile substance incorporated in a plastic or elastomer. It changes the thermal and mechanical properties of the material. The expected property changes in a plasticized plastic or elastomer are as follows:
- How to make a plastic product more flexible by adding plasticizers?
- The process of making the final plastic product more flexible by adding plasticizers is called plasticization. By adding the right type and amount of plasticizer, you can tweak the polymer properties to get exactly what you need.
