muovinpehmentiminä

Muovinpehmentiminä, known in English as plasticizers, are additive compounds used to increase the plasticity or decrease the viscosity of a material. They are commonly added to polymers, most notably polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to process. Without plasticizers, PVC would be a rigid material, but with their addition, it can be transformed into products like flexible tubing, electrical insulation, flooring, and synthetic leather.

The mechanism by which plasticizers work involves reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains. They insert themselves between the polymer molecules, effectively pushing them apart and allowing them to slide past each other more easily. This lowers the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer, which is the temperature at which it transitions from a rigid, glassy state to a more flexible, rubbery state.

There are two main types of plasticizers: primary and secondary. Primary plasticizers are capable of significantly reducing the Tg of the polymer on their own and are typically soluble in the polymer. Secondary plasticizers are used in conjunction with primary plasticizers and have a lower efficiency but can improve properties like flame retardancy or reduce cost.

Phthalates, such as DEHP and DINP, have historically been the most widely used class of plasticizers due to their effectiveness and low cost. However, concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts have led to increased research and use of alternative plasticizers, including adipates, citrates, and terephthalates, as well as bio-based options derived from renewable resources. The selection of a plasticizer depends on the desired properties of the final product, cost considerations, and regulatory requirements.