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PVC PLASTICISERS | MATERIALS


Plasticiser sector marked by innovation and regulation


The PVC plasticiser industry has changed dramatically over the past decade as it has adapted to fast moving regulatory and consumer concerns and that process continues. Peter Mapleston looks at the latest developments


Few areas of the plastics industry can have seen such change – and regulatory and NGO attention – as the plasticisers sector. And those changes continue. The most obvious is the ongoing trend away from low molecular weight orthophthalate- based PVC plasticisers in favour of alternative chemistries. Many of these are bio-based; all offer more favourable environmental and health profiles. In terms of physical performance, there is near nothing to touch diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) as a commodity plasticiser. However, its poor toxico- logical profile means it is being banned in an increasing number of applications and the search has been on for some time for alternatives, prefer- ably drop-in substitutes. Eastman’s latest develop- ment in this area is VersaMax Plus, a non-phthalate plasticiser that is said to mirror the performance of DEHP in dry-blends and plastisols. “You can upgrade your current non-phthalate formulation to achieve better performance, cost savings, and regulatory compliance – with a minimal reformula- tion,” the company claims. By providing comparable mechanical properties together with improved processing parameters, Eastman says VersaMax Plus provides advantages


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over other general-purpose plasticisers such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP), 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), dipropyl- heptyl phthalate (DPHP), and even its own Eastman 168 di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT). “Com- pared to general-purpose orthophthalate plasticis- ers, VersaMax Plus has equivalent or better perfor- mance characteristics in efficiency, fusion, viscosity, and dry times,” the company claims (Figure 1). Tom Markley, Senior Applications Development Scientist at Eastman, says that in recent testing VersaMax Plus has shown excellent performance in applications including antifatigue mats, coated fabrics, and graphic films and inks. The plasticiser is compliant with US food contact regulations and is particularly well-suited for food contact applica- tions such as PVC gloves, hoses and tubing, and conveyor belting, as well as indirect food contact adhesives, he adds. Evonik introduced Elatur DPT, a di(iso)-pentyl


terephthalate, last year and says it enables fast and simple production of flexible PVC products. Commercial production of the new plasticiser began in May 2018 and a second production campaign began this January. “Feedback from


August 2019 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 17


Main image: The plasticiser industry has adapted - and continues to adapt - to a fast changing regulatory environment with a raft of new introduc- tions


PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK


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