What Is Plasticizer
A plasticizer is a substance that is added to a material to make it softer and more flexible, to increase its plasticity, to decrease its viscosity, and/or to decrease friction during its handling in manufacture. Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, either to facilitate the handling of the raw material during fabrication, or to meet the demands of the end product's application. Plasticizers are especially key to the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the third most widely used plastic. In the absence of plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle; with plasticizers, it is suitable for products such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, rain gutters, plumbing, and electric wire insulation/coating.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the solubility of the plasticizer and resin when mixed with each other. If the compatibility between the two is not good, the phenomenon of "sweating" or "blooming" is prone to occur. Therefore, compatibility is one of the most important requirements for plasticizers. As the chlorine content increases, compatibility/flame retardancy, etc. are all improved. Therefore, the chlorine content of chlorinated paraffin as a plasticizer is usually 40-50%.
Plasticization efficiency
The amount of plasticizer that makes the resin reach a certain softness is called the plasticizing efficiency of the plasticizer. The plasticizing efficiency is a relative value that can be used to compare the plasticizing effects of plasticizers. Take the plasticization efficiency value of your DOP with a more comprehensive performance as the standard, and the plasticizer with a relative value less than 1 is more effective.
Cold resistance
The cold resistance of a plasticizer is closely related to the structure of the plasticizer. Generally, plasticizers with good compatibility have poor cold resistance, especially plasticizers with cyclic structures, which significantly reduce cold resistance. Therefore, in fact, cold-resistant plasticizers can only be used as auxiliary plasticizers to improve cold-resistant properties, whose amount is 5-20% . The representative variety of cold-resistant plasticizer is DOA.
Aging resistance
The improvement of plastic aging resistance mainly depends on the effects of heat stabilizers, antioxidants and light stabilizers.
Durability
The durability of the plasticizer is closely related to the molecular weight and molecular structure of the plasticizer itself. Only when the molecular weight is above 350, which have good durability.
Electrical insulation/flame retardancy
Chlorinated paraffins are chlorinated derivatives of paraffin hydrocarbons, which have the advantages of low volatility, flame retardancy, and good electrical insulation. Used as an auxiliary plasticizer in large quantities.
Why Choose Us
Our factory
Anhui Sanji Chemical Co., Ltd. found in 2021, one young established enterprise specialize in Import and Export of Chemical Products and Polyolefin Additives, mainly delivers solution and service to the industry projects of mineral, chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas.
Our product
Our product covers leaching agent and adsorbent which mainly for gold extraction application, chemicals for electro-plating, also involved in middle additives of Antioxidant, Flame Retardant, Antistatic Agent, Plasticizer, Flexibilizer, Carbon Black and etc. Besides, our imported HDPE, LLDPE, PP, PS and other polymers are widely used in mianland of China, in the field of home appliance, automobile, beverage bottol, toys, food packages, electronics and etc.
Experienced team
Over the years, our strong experienced chemical specialists and engineers team, serious inspection and laboratory test, on-time trouble shooting and site service, powerful financial capability solution with banks and big capacity routine warehouse keeping for on-time delivery.
Technical teams focus on sample test and goods inspection; logistics team focus on international seal & air transportation, warehouse keeping and domestic logistics.
Our service
Follow up the performance of supplied original products and proposed replacements, build historical curve for continuous performance improvement, research of technical improvement with necessary test; trouble shooting in case of any failure in process service which defects may arise from production, storage, transportation and logistics, optimizing whole work procedures
What Are the Main Types of Plasticizers
Phthalate Esters
Produced by esterification of phthalic anhydride or phthalic acid. Obtained by the oxidation of orthoxylene or naphthalene. Most commonly used phthalate plasticizers include:
DEHP
Low molecular weight ortho-phthalate. Still the world’s most widely used PVC plasticizer
DINP, DIDP: High molecular weight ortho-phthalates
Aliphatic dibasic acid Esters
These include chemicals such as glutarates, adipates, azelates and sebacates. Made from aliphatic dibasic acids such as adipic acid and alcohols.
Benzoate Esters
They are esterification products of benzoic acid and selected alcohols or diols.
Trimellitate Esters
Produced by esterification of trimellitic anhydride (TMA) and typically C8 – C10 alcohols.
Polyesters
Formed by the reaction of many combinations of dicarboxylic acids and difunctional alcohols.
Citrates
They are tetraesters, resulting from the reaction of one mole of citric acid with three moles of alcohol. Citric acid’s lone hydroxyl group is acetylated.
Bio-based Plasticizers
They are based on epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), epoxidized linseed oil (ELO), castor oil, palm oil, other vegetable oils, starches, sugars etc.
Others
Includes phosphates, chlorinated paraffins, alkyl sulfonic acid esters, and more
Where Are Plasticizers Used
The majority of plasticizers are used in the manufacture of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer that is extensively used and valued for its affordability, toughness, and adaptability. PVC, however, lacks the necessary flexibility and processing ease for many applications and is a stiff and brittle material in its pure state. Plasticizers are added to PVC formulations in order to get around these restrictions. Plasticizers function as lubricants between the polymer chains of PVC, therefore lowering intermolecular forces and facilitating the chains’ easier sliding past one another. As a result, the PVC material’s flexibility and pliability significantly increase, making it more appropriate for a variety of applications. The tensile strength of PVC compounds is decreased by the addition of plasticizers. Tensile strength is lost in exchange for the required flexibility and softness that plasticization produces. The intermolecular tensions between the PVC chains are efficiently disrupted by the plasticizer molecules, lowering the material’s overall strength. Though many PVC applications value the enhanced flexibility and processability that plasticizers provide, the cost of reduced tensile strength is frequently acceptable. Plasticizers are in high demand, especially those that are used to soften PVC. One of the most extensively produced and used polymers in the world, PVC is used in a wide range of sectors, including flooring, medical equipment, automobile parts, electrical cables, and building materials. Because of this, there is a considerable need for plasticizers to improve PVC’s functionality and flexibility. PVC is thought to make about 90% of the softener industry, and millions of metric tonnes of plasticizers are used each year globally.
Use of plasticizer in construction
Plasticizers are used for more than only plastics. They are used in a variety of materials, including rubber, adhesives, concrete, and stucco, demonstrating their adaptability and extensive advantages. Plasticizers are used in the rubber production process to improve the rubber compounds’ elasticity, processability, and flexibility. Plasticizers are added to rubber to make it more malleable and facilitate shape, moulding, and forming. This is especially crucial for businesses where rubber goods must have characteristics like stretchability, toughness, and resistance to ripping or breaking. Surprisingly, plasticizers are also used in the building sector, especially in the formulation of concrete and stucco. A modest quantity of plasticizer, when added to concrete, lowers the amount of water needed for adequate mixing and workability. As a result, the concrete mixture becomes stronger and easier to work with. The concrete has better compressive strength and experiences less shrinkage during curing when less water is used. Plasticizers also facilitate simpler placement and shaping by enhancing the concrete’s cohesion and flow. Plasticizers are also utilised in wallboard stucco, a substance that is applied to walls both inside and outside to produce beautiful finishes. The addition of a plasticizer to stucco lowers the quantity of water required for mixing, enhancing the material’s handling qualities and ease of workability. As a result, the stucco is more pliable, applies more smoothly, and adheres to surfaces better.
Medical Industry
In order to produce flexible medical equipment that ensures patient comfort and ease of handling, such as IV bags and tubing, plasticizers are essential.
Automotive Industry
Flexible hoses and tubing for automotive systems are moulded using plasticizers to ensure that they can tolerate stresses like vibration and bending without breaking.
Clothes and Footwear Industry
Plasticizers help create flexible textiles for comfy clothes and soft, comfortable shoe soles.
Telecommunications Industry
Plasticizers are used to create flexible, long-lasting wire and cable casings that make installation simple and friction-free. Plasticizers are crucial in a variety of industrial processes because they allow a broad range of goods with desired qualities to be produced.
Use specialist plasticizers
Plasticizers with a high molecular weight or a high degree of branching will prevent movement. Plasticizers with high molecular weight will find it difficult to migrate due to their size in the network they are bound in. Plasticizers with a high degree of branching will become entangled in the network, meaning they will find it difficult to move.
Use a reactive plasticizer
Reactive plasticizers will chemically graft into the polymer matrix. This means it is much more difficult for the plasticizer to migrate out of the material.
Coating the surface
The plasticizer cannot migrate out of the surface if there is a coating that will not allow it to pass through.
Chemical workers are well aware that plastic production requires the addition of plasticizers to improve flexibility. Choosing the right plasticizer can also enhance durability and compatibility. So, how should one choose a plasticizer? What performance indicators should be considered? Ideally, a plasticizer should have good compatibility with the resin, high plasticizing efficiency, good durability, cold resistance, stability, and insulation properties. It should also be non-toxic and offer excellent processing and flame-retardant properties, while being affordable and readily available.
Compatibility refers to the ability of two or more substances to mix without phase separation. As a plasticizer, it should first have certain compatibility with the resin, which is the most basic requirement.
The compatibility between the plasticizer and the resin depends on the polarity of the plasticizer itself and the similarity of their structures. Generally, plasticizers with similar polarity and structure to the plasticized resin have better compatibility. Usually, the compatibility between the plasticizer and the resin can be evaluated using the principle of "similar polarity leads to compatibility." That is, if the plasticizer and the resin have similar solubility parameter values, they have good compatibility.
Plasticizer Selection for Elastomers
Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)
Plasticizers can be added to NBR as an extender, mainly for soft roll compounds. Addition of plasticizer reduces the mixing time. A wide range of ester plasticizers are compatible with NBR, including adipates, phthalates, trimellitates, and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO).
Chloroprene (neoprene) rubber (CR)
Plasticizers are added to Polychloroprene Rubber to lower the glass transition temperature, reduce crystallization, and lower the cost. Mineral oils and organic esters are compatible with polychloroprene rubber. Aromatic mineral oils are used when reduction in crystallization rate is required, although their compatibility may be limited. Other recommended choices include Dioctyl Sebacate, Dioctyl Adipate, Dioctyl Phthalate, Diisononyl Phthalate. These choices may be good options for situations when low-temperature flexibility is required. Flame resistance can be improved with a plasticizer such as TBEP.
Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
CPE is compatible with a variety of plasticizers, which can be added as a filler and to increase flexibility. The amount and type of plasticizers used in CPE formulations are similar to that of PVC, including adipates, phthalates, and trimellitates. Common choices include general plasticizers such as DINP, DOP, and DOTP. Specialty plasticizers such as DOA, DINA, DBS, DOS, TOTM, and TINTM can be used as well.
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM)
Unplasticized CSM is very flexible already, so plasticizers selection for CSM should be done with the properties of the end use part in mind. For example, if low temperature flexibility is required an ester plasticizer such as DOS or DUP might be considered. TOTM might be a good choice is both low temperature properties and high heat applications are desired.
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO)
Plasticizers can be used to improve properties in ECO. ECO already has good low-temperature flexibility; however, it can be further improved by addition of plasticizers such as DOA or DBP. Ester plasticizers are compatible with ECO where the plasticizer has a similar polarity to that of the polymer. DOP, DIDP, and, TOTM are common choices.
Fluorocarbon rubber (FKM)
Most ester plasticizers cannot withstand the post-cure cycles and temperatures typically sued with FKM. This makes plasticizer selection difficult as very few plasticizers can be used. TBEP is one such plasticizer that is compatible with FKM.
Polyacrylate rubber (ACM)
Plasticizer use with ACM is limited dues to the high operating temperatures used. Polymeric plasticizers, TOTM and TBEP can be used in some cases.
Ethylene acrylic (AEM)
Both monomeric and polymeric ester plasticizers are compatible with AEM. DOS and DOP can be used to impart low-temperature flexibility, but can only be used in temperatures up to 125°C. Polymeric plasticizers are recommended for better permanence and higher continuous use temperature applications. Trimellitates such as 810TM and also TBEP can also be used.
Ethylene-propylene diene rubber (terpolymer) (EPDM)
EPDM is usually processed without plasticizers, however plasticizers can be added in for specific applications, such as correcting problems in pressure sensitive tapes. Polyisobutylene, paraffin oil, DBP, DOP, and vulcanized vegetable oil can be used.
Natural rubber (NR)
Plasticizers are added to NR to increase softness, improve dispersion of fillers, and aid in the breakdown of the elastomer. It is compatible with a variety of oil plasticizers including paraffinic, naphthenic and aromatic oil plasticizers.
Polyisoprene (IR)
IR is compatible with a broad range of esters (phthalates, adipates, sebacates) as well as aromatic, naphthenic, and paraffinic oils. Plasticizers are added to IR to change the rheological properties during processing, as well as to effect vibration damping and the elastic properties of the cured rubber.
Polybutadiene rubber (BR)
Plasticizers in BR serve many functions including increasing the elasticity, lowering the processing temperature, improving dispersion of the blend, and enhancing tackifying action. DOS, DBP, DOP are compatible with BR, as are some paraffinic, aromatic, or naphthenic mineral oils.
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)
SBR is compatible with most mineral oils, but has limited compatibility with paraffinic oils. Synthetic ester plasticizers are recommended for us in SBR as well.
Anhui Sanji Chemical Co., Ltd. found in 2021, one young established enterprise specialize in Import and Export of Chemical Products and Polyolefin Additives, mainly delivers solution and service to the industry projects of mineral, chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas. Our product covers leaching agent and adsorbent which mainly for gold extraction application, chemicals for electro-plating, also involved in middle additives of Antioxidant, Flame Retardant, Antistatic Agent, Plasticizer, Flexibilizer, Carbon Black and etc. Besides, our imported HDPE, LLDPE, PP, PS and other polymers are widely used in mianland of China, in the field of home appliance, automobile, beverage bottol, toys, food packages, electronics and etc. Our head quarter locates in Hefei city, capital of Anhui Province, main market is in mainland, Middle east and Africa. Over the years, our strong experienced chemical specialists and engineers team, serious inspection and laboratory test, on-time trouble shooting and site service, powerful financial capability solution with banks and big capacity routine warehouse keeping for on-time delivery, which enable us to build long term and strategic partnership with world famous brands including BASF, DOW chemical, INEOS, LG, MITSUBISHI, SANYO, Clariant, Eastman, Dupont , Arkema, Orion, Cabot, Jacob and etc were the driving forces for our successful development. Moreover, strategic and annual agency agreement with polymer manufactures also enable us steady supply to related industry day and month in most ecomical way.
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