What is an example of a plasticizer?

Answer 1

An example of the most common, general purpose plasticizer is DOP, dioctyl phthalate, also known as DEHP, or diethylhexyl phthalate. This plasticizer is most commonly seen in PVC, but can be found in other polymer systems as well. General purpose plasticizers primarily impart flexibility to a polymer and improve its workability.

An example of a specialty plasticizer would be dipropylene glycol dibenzoate. This plasticizer is often found in PVC as well as many other polymer systems including acrylates and urethanes. Specialty plasticizers also impart flexibility but have the added benefit of special properties, such as improving gloss, imparting better low temperature flexibility, faster fusion, etc.

Plasticizers are typically esters of some type. Some examples of general classes of plasticizers include:

phthalates

benzoates

adipates

citrates

trimellitates

The "original" plasticizer was camphor, which was phased out during the early 20th century with the discovery of phthalates.