plastisoivat

Plastisoivat, also known as plasticizers, are additives that are incorporated into plastics to increase their flexibility, workability, and distensibility. They function by embedding themselves between polymer chains, reducing the intermolecular forces and allowing the chains to move more freely relative to each other. This process lowers the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer, making it softer and more pliable at room temperature.

The primary mechanism of plasticization involves the plasticizer molecules disrupting the cohesive forces between polymer chains. These molecules typically have a lower molecular weight than the polymer and are often polar or semi-polar, allowing them to interact with the polymer chains. The plasticizer molecules solvate the polymer chains, effectively lubricating them and increasing the free volume within the polymer matrix.

A wide variety of substances can act as plasticizers, with phthalates being historically common, though their use has declined in some applications due to health and environmental concerns. Other classes include adipates, citrates, sebacates, and polymeric plasticizers. The choice of plasticizer depends on the specific polymer, the desired properties of the final product, and regulatory requirements.

Plastisoivat are crucial in the production of many flexible plastic items, including films, cables, flooring, and medical devices. They improve the ease of processing plastics during manufacturing, allowing for extrusion, molding, and calendering operations. Without plasticizers, many common plastics would be brittle and difficult to shape into useful forms.