What are the Types of Plasticizers?
Used to raise the flexibility, the processability, and the durability of plastics, plasticizers play an important part in plastics production. Many different types of plasticizer exist, among them phthalates, phosphates, trimellitates, glycerol esters, and sebacates.
Types of plasticizer:
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Phthalates: The most common type of plasticizer. They are used widely in PVC. (Phthalate plasticizer, PVC plasticizer)
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Phosphates: Plasticizers with flame-retardant properties. They are common in vinyl flooring and cable sheathing. (Phosphate plasticizer, flame-retardant plasticizer)
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Trimellitates: High-performance plasticizers that cost more than phthalates and phosphates. They are common in automotive parts and electronic devices. (Trimellitate plasticizer, high-performance plasticizer)
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Glycerol esters: Biodegradable plasticizers that can be used in foods and medicines. (Glycerol ester plasticizer, biodegradable plasticizer)
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Sebacates: High-performance plasticizers that are a better alternative to phthalates. They appear often in children's toys and medical devices. (Sebacate plasticizer, plasticizer as an alternative to phthalates)
What to watch for when choosing a plasticizer:
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Type of plastic: Different plasticizers suit different types of plastic.
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Purpose of use: The choice of plasticizer depends on the application the plastic will serve.
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Performance requirements: The performance properties the plasticizer must give the plastic, such as flexibility, processability, and durability, have to be taken into account.
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Regulations: Some types of plasticizer are not approved for use in food and medical applications.
Plasticizers raise the performance and the functionality of plastics considerably. Different types of plasticizer carry different properties and advantages. The right choice of plasticizer depends on the application the plastic will serve and on the performance requirements.
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Author:
Industrial Design Engineer