PVC | plasticisers
Plasticiser producers are developing new products that meet user demands for higher performance and lower migration while addressing regulator concerns over safety, writes Peter Mapleston
Plasticiser industry offers users many more options
The global market for PVC plasticisers continues to grow and at a relatively healthy rate (around 4% a year, according to IHS). At the same time, the options available to formulators continue to extend. Bio-based types are available but appear to be taking a while to take off, largely because of their price premium, but to counter that there is plenty of activity in development of alternatives to lower molecular weight phthalates. Emerald Kalama Chemical points out that just four
phthalates - DEHP, DINP, DPHP, and DIDP - account for the bulk of PVC plasticiser consumption worldwide. But their market share is falling year-on-year. “Formula- tors may turn to terephthalates such as DEHTP or to [something like] di-isononyl cyclohexanoate,” a spokesperson for the company says. “However, in many applications, formulators cannot achieve needed end use performance with these non-phthalate general- purpose plasticisers alone. Despite concerns with health, environment, and meeting regulations, it is still essential to optimise and tailor key properties and
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processing characteristics, such as long-term durabil- ity, viscosity, fusion time, and fi lm strength.” Historically, orthophthalates such as BBP were
favoured for their fast fusion and economy, but use of BBP has been phased out entirely in the EU, with other regions following close behind. “Today, many formula- tors will utilise blends of non-phthalate general purpose and other high solvator plasticisers—such as dibenzoates—to improve compatibility and optimise a balance of desired performance properties and economy,” the company says. “Dibenzoates have excellent compatibility with a
wide range of polar polymers. They outperform phthalates such as DINP for properties such as stain and extraction resistance, are more effi cient (10 to 15%), and offer greater compatibility. As high solvators, dibenzoate plasticisers also contribute to lower gel fusion temperatures and increased line speeds. As a result, manufacturers of resilient fl ooring, spread coatings, and foam plastisols have increasingly utilised
August 2016 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 27 Main image:
Wire and cable is one of the largest and most techni-
cally demand- ing global
markets for plasticisers
PHOTO: POLYONE
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