plasticise

Add flexibility chemically

To plasticise is to make something plastic—pliable, moldable, or capable of being shaped.

In chemistry and manufacturing, plasticisers are additives that increase flexibility in materials like PVC: The compound plasticises the vinyl, making it suitable for flooring.

Figuratively, to plasticise can mean to render something artificial or synthetic in character.

Also spelled plasticize.

malleable

moldable

Capable of being shaped

pliableCapable of bending easily
shapeableAble to be molded
workableAble to be implemented

ductile · flexible · bendable · supple · pliant · softened · formable · manipulable · reshapeable · adaptable

soften

Make less firm

temperState of mind
relaxBecome less tense
loosenReduce tension or grip

supple · limber · anneal · tenderize · condition · moisturize · humidify · hydrate · lubricate · emulsify

polymer

PVC

Chlorinated plastic abbreviation

vinylSynthetic resin plastic
polyvinylRepeating vinyl units
thermoplasticHeat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer

elastomer · resin · polymer · polycarbonate · polyurethane · acrylic · nylon · polyester · silicone · rubber

additive

phthalate

Ester-based plastic additive

citrateSalt of citrus acid
softenerAgent that reduces hardness
modifierWord altering another

stabilizer · lubricant · solvent · additive · compounding · formulation · migration · leaching · outgassing

Opposites

material flexibility

plasticiseharden

Make or become firm

rigidify · stiffen · solidify · cure · set

malleability and workability

plasticisefix

Repair or solution

embrittle · set · vulcanize · freeze · ossify

Phrases

brain plasticityNeural network's ability to reorganize
neural plasticityBrain's ability to reorganize

Family

plasticity, plasticizer, plasticize, plasticized, plasticizing, plasticizes, plasticiser, plasticization, plasticised

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