Blødgøringsmidler

Blødgøringsmidler, commonly known as plasticizers, are additives that are incorporated into materials, most notably plastics, to increase their flexibility, workability, and distensibility. They function by embedding themselves between polymer chains, reducing the intermolecular forces and thus lowering the glass transition temperature of the material. This makes the plastic softer and more pliable.

The most widely used plasticizers are phthalates, such as DEHP, DINP, and DIDP, although concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts have led to the development and increased use of alternative plasticizers. These alternatives include adipates, citrates, terephthalates, and polymeric plasticizers, each offering different properties and performance characteristics.

Blødgøringsmidler are essential in the production of a vast array of products. They are crucial for flexible PVC, used in applications like electrical cable insulation, flooring, medical tubing, and automotive interiors. They also find use in rubber, adhesives, sealants, and coatings, where they improve processing and final product performance by enhancing flexibility and durability. The selection of a specific blødgøringsmiddel depends on the polymer type, desired properties, processing conditions, and regulatory requirements.