Products of the polymerization process, such as PVCs, cannot be used for manufacturing other products as is. To make these PVCs usable, they need to be combined with specific additives. These additives come in various types, depending on the product’s design, material, and the industry it serves. Some of these additives include various types of stabilizers (UV and thermal stabilizers), different types of masterbatches (antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anti-blocking agents, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, etc.), and various types of plasticizers.
Plasticizers, as one of the additives, have the highest consumption in the production of PVC. They enhance the flexibility and elasticity (recovery property) of these products. Moreover, depending on the type of the final product, they can provide various properties to the end product. Additionally, in the manufacturing processes, plasticizers assist PVC in performing better in industrial machinery.
According to the 2017 global market data, the worldwide market for plasticizers was approximately 7.5 million metric tons, with 90% of them being used in the production of PVC to enhance flexibility and physical durability. Of this total, over 3 million metric tons were consumed by China. During these 60 years, around 30,000 plasticizers have been produced and registered, but only about 50 types of them have commercial applications.
Some of the products in the plasticizer group include:
Phthalate-Based Plasticizers: Phthalate-based plasticizers are the most widely used plasticizers in this group of materials. They perform very well at low temperatures and provide flexibility, often used in PVC products such as cables and coatings. In this group, DEHP and DIDP are notable examples, and each brings different properties to PVC depending on the specific requirements and products.
Adipate-Based Plasticizers: Adipate-based plasticizers, such as DOA (dioctyl adipate) and DIDA (diisodecyl adipate), offer good flexibility at low temperatures and stability against degradation. They are commonly used in the automotive industry and interior automotive components.
Trimellitate-Based Plasticizers: This group, including TOTM and TIDM, exhibits high thermal stability and is used in applications where heat stability is crucial, such as wires, cables, and automotive interior components.
Phosphate-Based Plasticizers: Phosphate-based plasticizers like TCP and TPP are known for their flame resistance, which is an important property for PVCs that are susceptible to flame. These plasticizers are used for end products that are exposed to flames.
Epoxy-Based Plasticizers: Epoxy plasticizers like ESBO and ELO are derived from natural oils, and their natural origin and quality make them suitable for applications in food packaging, medical equipment, and toys due to their health-related properties.
Polymeric Plasticizers: Polymeric plasticizers such as polyesters and polyether esters are plasticizers with high molecular weight, and their improved processing properties make them suitable additives for a wide range of applications.
