Plasticizers: Types, Uses, Classification, Selection & Regulation
Extenders are a subset of secondary plasticizers. They are commonly employed with primary plasticizers to reduce costs in general purpose flexible PVC. They are mostly low cost oils having limited compatibility in PVC. They are added to reduce cost and in some cases to improve fire resistance.
Plastic Pellets | McMaster-Carr
Polystyrene Plastic PVC Plastic Polyethylene Plastic Polypropylene Plastic ABS Plastic PBT Plastic Nylon Plastic Acetal Plastic Polycarbonate Plastic Container Size 1 oz. 3 oz. 5 lbs. 6 lbs. 50 lbs. 55 lbs. Container Type Pail Cardboard Box Jar Box Packet Hardness Rating Medium Soft Medium Hard Maximum Temperature 120° F 150° F 160° F 175° F 500° F
Bonding Low Surface Energy plastics | 3M
Low surface energy plastics, or LSE plastics, are often known by their initials and include such materials as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE or HDPE), polystyrene, acetal, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and powder-coated paints. They are generally soft and have a low melting point so they’re easy to process and mold, even at high volumes
Plastic Resin Prices 2025 | Resin Shortage & Cost of Plastic
Polypropylene (PP) has also climbed in price: from 5.69 cents/lb in 2025 to 18.44 cents/lb in February 2025, and 28.34 cents/lb in March 2025. It is thought that Plastic prices have or will peak soon, and slowly plateau as producers and distributors work tirelessly to return operations to their normal, efficient, and stable states.
Polystyrene - Formable Sheets & Bars - Grainger Industrial Supply
HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) formable sheets and bars, also known as PS (polystyrene) sheets and bars, are made of thermoplastic. They have high-impact strength, stiffness, and are recyclable with minimal loss of properties. They are often used for low-strength structural applications when impact resistance, machinability, and low cost are
- What is a polymeric plasticizer?
- Polymeric plasticizers are typically made from aliphatic dibasic acids such as adipic acid and diols. They are primarily valued for their permanence. These plasticizers are generally classified as polyesters, not adipates. Many have low solvency for PVC and high viscosity. Both these factors can make processing f-PVC compounds difficult.
- What are natural product type plasticizers?
- Vegetable oil derivatives are the most widely used natural product type plasticizers. Products consisting of triglyceride esters of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., soybean oil, linseed oil) in which the double bonds in the fatty acid residues have typically been epoxidized have been commercial products for decades.
- What is a primary plasticizer?
- A primary plasticizer enhances elongation, softness and flexibility of polymer. They are highly compatible with polymers and can be added in large quantities. For example: up to 50% of vinyl gloves are made up of plasticizers, which make the PVC flexible and soft enough to wear.
- 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.
- 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 to choose a general-purpose plasticizer for PVC?
- While selecting a general-purpose plasticizer for PVC, the main attributes to be checked are: Among them, regulation is an important decision factor while selecting plasticizers. In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion on phthalate plasticizers. But in fact, not all phthalates are prohibited.
