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.
What Plasticizers Do & How They Affect Properties | Osborne
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 - 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 Are Plasticizers? | Plasticizers in Plastic Manufacturing
Plasticizers work in a similar way, and without them, the material would be hard, rigid, and more difficult to shape. Four Families of Plasticizers Over 30,000 substances have been tested for use as a polymer plasticizer, though today, only about 50 are available for use. Of these, they are divided into four families:
How do Plasticizers function? - Plastics Engineering general
Plasticizers, due to their compatibility with the polymer, are able to permeate into the free volume around the polymer chains. This interaction results in a few things. First, it reduces the effects of secondary bonding forces which tend to keep the polymer stuck together. Secondly, it increases intermolecular distance which results in
- 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 are plasticizers used in PVC?
- This increases the flexibility of the material, reduces brittleness, and improves its resistance to impact. Several types of plasticizers are used in PVC to improve its flexibility and durability.
- 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.
