Plastiser

Plastiser is a term that can refer to a few different concepts, primarily related to the process of making something plastic or an agent that causes plasticization.

In the context of materials science, a plastiser, also known as a plasticizer, is an additive that increases the plasticity or fluidity of a material. It is most commonly used in polymers, particularly plastics. By reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains, plasticizers allow the chains to move more freely relative to each other, thereby lowering the glass transition temperature and increasing the flexibility, workability, and stretchability of the material. Common examples of plasticizers include phthalates, adipates, and citrates, and they are widely used in products like PVC, paints, and adhesives.

The term "plastiser" can also be used in a more general sense to describe something that causes a substance to become plastic. For instance, in some industrial processes, a heating or chemical agent might act as a plastiser to make a material easier to mold or shape.

It is important to note that the specific meaning of "plastiser" can depend on the field of application. While the most prevalent usage is in polymer science, the underlying concept of inducing plasticity remains consistent.