Muovioitu

Muovioitu is a Finnish term that translates to "plasticized" or "made plastic" in English. It refers to the process of making a material, typically a polymer, more pliable, flexible, and workable. This is usually achieved by adding plasticizers, which are substances that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. Plasticizers work by reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains, allowing them to move more freely relative to each other.

The term "muovioitu" can be used in various contexts. In the context of plastics manufacturing, it describes the essential step of incorporating additives to achieve desired physical properties. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is inherently rigid, but through the addition of plasticizers, it becomes soft and flexible, suitable for applications like cables, flooring, and medical tubing.

Beyond synthetic polymers, the concept of being "muovioitu" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something that has become overly conforming or lacking in original character due to external influences. However, its primary and literal meaning is rooted in the physical alteration of materials through plasticization. The effectiveness and type of plasticizer used determine the degree of pliability achieved in the final product.