plastificatori

Plastificatori, also known as plasticizers, are additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. They are commonly used in the plastics industry to make polymers more flexible and easier to process. By reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains, plasticizers allow the chains to slide past each other more readily, thereby lowering the glass transition temperature of the material. This results in increased flexibility, extensibility, and processability.

The most common type of plasticizer is phthalates, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). These are widely used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to produce flexible PVC products like cables, flooring, and medical devices. However, concerns about the potential health effects of certain phthalates have led to increased regulation and a search for alternative plasticizers.

Non-phthalate plasticizers include citrates, adipates, trimellitates, and bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable resources like soybean oil. These alternatives are being developed and adopted to address environmental and health concerns associated with traditional phthalates. The choice of plasticizer depends on the specific polymer, the desired properties of the final product, and regulatory requirements.

Plasticizers can be added to polymers during processing, typically through mixing and heating. The amount of plasticizer used, known as the plasticizer loading, significantly influences the final properties of the material. Higher concentrations generally lead to greater flexibility but can sometimes compromise other properties like tensile strength or resistance to chemicals.