plasticizer
Polymer softening agent
A plasticizer is a substance added to materials—especially plastics and rubber—to make them softer, more flexible, or easier to work with.
Without plasticizers, many synthetic materials would be brittle and crack easily.
The compounds appear in everything from vinyl flooring to food packaging, though some have raised health concerns and been phased out of children's products.
Ability to adapt easily
- softeningBecoming less firm
- workabilityEase of handling material
- pliabilityAbility to bend easily
- elasticityTendency to resume original form
suppleness · bendability · ductility · malleability · compliance · moldability · formability · extensibility
Plastic-softening chemical compounds
- citratesSalts of sour-fruit acid
- phosphatesSalts of a certain acid
- chlorinatedTreated with purifying halogen
- polymericComposed of repeated units
Chlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polyvinylchlorideSynthetic plastic polymer
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- resinViscous plant secretion
- thermoplasticHeat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
plastisol · rubber · vinyl · cellulose · nitrocellulose · acrylic · polyurethane · adhesive
Elements merging progressively
- extrusionPushing through a die
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- calenderingRoller-smoothing process
- thermoformingShaping softened plastic sheets
processing · blending · formulation · dispersion · mixing · industrial · production
Resistance to wear
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- agingGrowing older over time
- degradationDecline in condition
volatility · permanence · low-temperature · outdoor · longevity · retention · bloom · exudation
Capacity to cause harm
- phthalate-freeWithout industrial softening compounds
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- medical-gradeSuitable for healthcare settings
- child-safeHarmless to young ones
flexibility
Ability to adapt easily
- softeningBecoming less firm
- workabilityEase of handling material
- pliabilityAbility to bend easily
elasticity · suppleness · bendability · ductility · malleability · compliance · moldability · formability · extensibility · flow
phthalates
Plastic-softening chemical compounds
- citratesSalts of sour-fruit acid
- phosphatesSalts of a certain acid
- chlorinatedTreated with purifying halogen
PVC
Chlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polyvinylchlorideSynthetic plastic polymer
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- resinViscous plant secretion
thermoplastic · plastisol · rubber · vinyl · cellulose · nitrocellulose · acrylic · polyurethane · adhesive · sealant
compounding
Elements merging progressively
- extrusionPushing through a die
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- calenderingRoller-smoothing process
thermoforming · processing · blending · formulation · dispersion · mixing · industrial · production
durability
Resistance to wear
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- agingGrowing older over time
degradation · volatility · permanence · low-temperature · outdoor · longevity · retention · bloom · exudation · fogging
toxicity
Capacity to cause harm
- phthalate-freeWithout industrial softening compounds
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- medical-gradeSuitable for healthcare settings
child-safe · environmental · biodegradable · sustainable · non-toxic
- concreteconcrete mixer, concrete pour, concrete slabs, concrete beams, concrete columns
- concrete materialscement, Portland cement, aggregate, sand, gravel
- Formulation Ingredientsactive ingredient, filler, binder, preservative, emulsifier
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- adhesivesglue, epoxy, tape, adhesive, Elmer's
- organic compoundshydrocarbon, alcohol, alkane, ethane, propane
plasticizerhardener
Agent promoting rigidity
stiffener · solidifier · densifier · stabilizer · filler