plasticizers
Polymer softening agents
Plasticizers are chemicals added to materials—especially plastics and rubber—to make them softer, more flexible, and easier to work with.
Without plasticizers, PVC would be rigid and brittle; with them, it becomes the pliable material used in vinyl flooring, garden hoses, and medical tubing.
The distinctive smell of a new shower curtain comes from plasticizers off-gassing.
Plastic-softening chemical compounds
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- flexibleAble to bend freely
- additiveSubstance mixed in
manufacturing · compounding · extrusion · vinyl · softening · formulation · processing · resin
Alkoxy-substituted acid derivative
- molecularOf tiny particles
- citrateSalt of citrus acid
- solubilityDissolving potential in liquid
- migrationMovement to new territory
volatility · compatibility · hydroxyl · viscosity · leaching · extraction · polarity · miscibility
Without industrial softening compounds
- toxicityCapacity to cause harm
- FDAU.S. health regulator
- endocrineInternally secreting gland system
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
compliance · restriction · safety · BPA · carcinogen · exposure · toys · childcare
Derived from living matter
- citrateSalt of citrus acid
- renewableCapable of restoration
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
- non-toxicCauses no harm
green · castor-oil · vegetable · acetylated · plant-derived · sustainable · eco-friendly · linseed
phthalates
Plastic-softening chemical compounds
additive · manufacturing · compounding · extrusion · vinyl · softening · formulation · processing · resin · molding
ester
Alkoxy-substituted acid derivative
- molecularOf tiny particles
- citrateSalt of citrus acid
- solubilityDissolving potential in liquid
migration · volatility · compatibility · hydroxyl · viscosity · leaching · extraction · polarity · miscibility · benzoate
phthalate-free
Without industrial softening compounds
bioaccumulation · compliance · restriction · safety · BPA · carcinogen · exposure · toys · childcare · labeling
bio-based
Derived from living matter
- citrateSalt of citrus acid
- renewableCapable of restoration
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
non-toxic · green · castor-oil · vegetable · acetylated · plant-derived · sustainable · eco-friendly · linseed · palm
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- plasticsplastics, polymers, polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene
- Contaminantspollutants, pollutant, heavy metals, toxin, pesticides
- additivesfood coloring, stabilizer, MSG, emulsifier, flavor enhancer
- pollutantspollutants, pollutant, contaminant, contaminants, toxin
- chemical additivesadditives, stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, fillers