blødgørere

Blødgørere, also known as plasticizers, are chemical additives used to increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. They are commonly incorporated into polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make them more flexible, durable, and easier to process. Without blødgørere, many plastics would be rigid and brittle.

The mechanism by which blødgørere work involves reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains. They essentially get in between the chains, allowing them to slide past each other more easily. This results in a lower glass transition temperature for the polymer, meaning it becomes soft and pliable at lower temperatures.

There are numerous types of blødgørere, categorized by their chemical structure. Phthalates, such as DEHP and DINP, have historically been the most widely used, but concerns about their potential health and environmental effects have led to a shift towards alternative plasticizers. These alternatives include adipates, citrates, terephthalates, and bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable resources like castor oil or soy.

The selection of a blødgører depends on the desired properties of the final product, including flexibility, low-temperature performance, resistance to extraction by solvents, and regulatory requirements. Blødgørere are found in a vast array of products, including cables, flooring, medical devices, toys, automotive interiors, and packaging. Their use is critical for tailoring the physical characteristics of many common plastic materials to meet specific application needs.