Plasticizer: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article

All Topics

Plasticizer

	Email		Print
	Bookmark		Link

	Plasticizer
	Home Discussion Definition
	Topics Plasticizer Topic Home Plasticizers are additives that increase the plasticityPlasticity Plasticity has five meanings in the sciences:... or fluidity of the material to which they are added, these include plastics, cement, concrete, wallboard and clay bodies. Although the same compounds are often used for both plastics and concretes, the desired effect is slightly different. Plasticizers for concreteConcrete In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and a cement binder.... soften the mix before it hardens, increasing its workabilityConcrete In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and a cement binder.... or reducing water, and are usually not intended to affect the properties of the final product after it hardens. Plasticizers for wallboard increases fluidity of the mix, allowing lower use of water and thus reducing energy to dry the board. The plasticizers for plastics soften the final product increasing its flexibility. Plasticizers for concrete production Superplasticizers or high range water reducers or dispersants are chemical admixtures that can be added to concreteConcrete In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and a cement binder.... mixtures to improve workabilityConcrete In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and a cement binder.... . Strength of concrete is inversely proportional to the amount of water added or water-cement (w/c) ratio. In order to produce stronger concrete, less water is added, which makes the concrete mixture very unworkable and difficult to mix, necessitating the use of plasticizers, water reducers, superplasticizers or dispersants. Superplasticizers are also often used when pozzolanic ashPozzolanic ash Overview Pozzolanic ash is an alumino-siliceous material which reacts with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form compoun... is added to concrete to improve strength. This method of mix proportioning is especially popular when producing high strength concrete and fiber reinforced concrete. Adding 1-2% superplasticizer per unit weight of cement is usually sufficient. However, note that most commercially available superplasticizers come dissolved in water, so the extra water added has to be accounted for in mix proportioning. Adding an excessive amount of superplasticizer will result in excessive segregation of concrete and is not advisable. Some studies also show that too much superplasticizer will result in a retarding effect. Plasticizers are commonly manufactured from lignosulfonates, a by-product from the paperPaper Paper is a thin, flat material produced by the amalgamation of plant fibres, which are subsequently held together without ex... industry. High Range Superplasticizers have generally been manufactured from sulfonatedSulfonic acid Sulfonic acid is an hypothetical acid with formula H-S2-OH.... naphthaleneNaphthalene Naphthalene is a crystalline, aromatic, white, solid hydrocarbon, best known as the primary ingredient of mothballs.... condensate or sulfonated melamine formaldehyde, although new generation products based on polycarboxylic ethers are now available. Traditional lignosulfonate based plasticisers, naphthaleneNaphthalene Naphthalene is a crystalline, aromatic, white, solid hydrocarbon, best known as the primary ingredient of mothballs.... and melamineMelamine Melamine is a strong organic base with chemical formula C3H6N6, with the IUPAC name 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine.... sulfonate based superplasticisers disperse the flocculated cement particles through a mechanism of electrostatic repulsion (see colloidColloid In general, a colloid or colloidal dispersion is a substance with components of one or two phases, a type of mixture i... ). In normal plasticisers, the active substances are adsorbedAdsorption Adsorption is a process that occurs when a gas or liquid or solute accumulates on the surface of a solid or more rarely a l... on to the cement particles, giving them a negative charge, which leads to repulsion between particles. Lignin, naphthalene and melamine sulfonate superplasticisers are organic polymers. The long molecules wrap themselves around the cement particles, giving them a highly negative charge so that they repel each other. Polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) or just polycarboxylate (PC), the new generation of superplasticisers, are not only chemically different from the older sulfonated melamine and naphthalene based products but their action mechanism is also different, giving cement dispersion by steric stabilisation, instead of electrostatic repulsion. This form of dispersion is more powerful in its effect and gives improved workability retention to the cementitious mix. Furthermore, the chemical structure of PCE allows for a greater degree of chemical modification than the older generation products, offering a range of performance that can be tailored to meet specific needs. In ancient times, the RomansAncient Rome Ancient Rome was a civilization that grew out of the city-state of Rome, founded in the Italian Peninsula circa the 9th cent... used bloodBlood Blood is a highly specialised circulating tissue consisting of several types of cell suspended in a fluid medium known as pl... as a superplasticizer for their concrete mixes. Plasticisers can be obtained from a local concrete manufacturer. Household washing up liquid may also be used as a simple plasticizer. Plasticizers for gypsum wallboard production Superplasticizers or dispersants, are chemical additives that can be added to wallboard mixtures to improve workability. In order to reduce the energy in drying wallboard, less water is added, which makes the gypsum mixture very unworkable and difficult to mix, necessitating the use of plasticizers, water reducers or dispersants. Adding about two pounds per thousand square feet of 1/2 inch wallboard (15 g/m² of wallboard) of dispersant is usually sufficient. Some studies also show that too much of lignosulfonate dispersant could result in a set-retarding effect. Data showed that amorphous crystal formations occurred that detracted from the mechanical needle-like crystal interaction in the core, preventing a stronger core. The sugars, chelating agents in lignosulfonates such as aldonic acids and extractive compounds are mainly responsible for set retardation. Dispersants are commonly manufactured from lignosulfonates, a by-product from the paperPaper Overview Paper is a thin, flat material produced by the amalgamation of plant fibres, which are subsequently held together without ex... industry. High range superplasticizers have generally been manufactured from sulfonatedSulfonic acid Overview Sulfonic acid is an hypothetical acid with formula H-S2-OH.... naphthalene condensate, although new generation products based on polycarboxylic ethers are now available. Traditional lignosulfonate and naphthaleneNaphthalene Naphthalene is a crystalline, aromatic, white, solid hydrocarbon, best known as the primary ingredient of mothballs.... sulfonate based superplasticisers disperse the flocculated gypsum particles through a mechanism of electrostatic repulsion (see colloidColloid In general, a colloid or colloidal dispersion is a substance with components of one or two phases, a type of mixture i... ). In normal plasticisers, the active substances are adsorbedAdsorption Adsorption is a process that occurs when a gas or liquid or solute accumulates on the surface of a solid or more rarely a l... on to the gypsum particles, giving them a negative charge, which leads to repulsion between particles. Lignin and naphthalene sulfonate plasticizers are organic polymers. The long molecules wrap themselves around the gypsum particles, giving them a highly negative charge so that they repel each other. Plasticizers for plastics Plasticizers for plastics are additive, most commonly phthalates, that give hard plasticPlastic Plastic covers a range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products.... s like PVCPolyvinyl chloride Summary Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is a widely-used plastic.... the desired flexibility and durability. They are often based on esterEster Summary In chemistry, esters are organic compounds in which an organic group replaces a hydrogen atom in an oxygen acid.... s of polycarboxylic acids with linear or branched aliphatic alcohols of moderate chain length. Plasticizers work by embedding themselves between the chains of polymerPolymer Polymer is a term used to describe molecules consisting of structural units and a large number of repeating units connected ... s, spacing them apart (increasing of the "free volume"), and thus significantly lowering the glass transition temperature for the plastic and making it softer. For plastics such as PVC, the more plasticiser added, the lower its cold flex temperature will be. This means that it will be more flexible, though its strength and hardness will decrease as a result of it. Some plasticizers evaporate and tend to concentrate in an enclosed space; the "new car smellNew car smell New car smell is the common term for the odor that comes from the combination of materials found in new automobiles.... " is caused mostly by plasticizers evaporating from the car interior. Dicarboxylic/tricarboxylic ester-based plasticizers Phthalate-based plasticizers are used in situations where good resistance to water and oils is required. Some common phthalate plasticizers are: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateBis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate Bisphthalate is a phthalate , a branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol diester of phthalic acid.... (DEHP), used in construction materials, and medical devices, Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), found in garden hoses, shoes, toys, and building materials Bis(n-butyl)phthalate (DnBP, DBP), used for cellulose plastics, food wraps, adhesives, perfumes and also in cosmetics - about a third of nail polishFacts About Nail polish Nail polish is a cosmetic lacquer that is applied to the nails of both the fingers and toes, usually as ornamentation but al... es, glosses, enamels and hardeners contain it, together with some shampooShampoo Shampoo is a hair care product used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, environmental pollution and/or other con... s, sunscreenSunscreen Sunscreen is a lotion, spray or other topical product that helps protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, and... s, skin emollientEmollient Emollients are substances which soften and soothe the skin.... s, and insect repellentInsect repellent An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourage insects from landing or cli... s Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) is found in vinyl tiles, traffic cones, food conveyor beltConveyor belt A conveyor belt or belt conveyor consists of two end pulleys, with a continuous loop of material that rotates abou... s, artificial leather and plastic foams Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), used for insulation of wires and cables, car undercoating, shoes, carpets, pool liners Di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP or DnOP), used in flooring materials, carpets, notebook covers, and high explosives, such as SemtexSemtex Semtex is a general-purpose plastic explosive.... . Together with DEHP it was the most common plasticizers, but now is suspected of causing cancer Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), all-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, rubbers, cellulose plastics and polyurethane. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) Diisobutyl phthalateDiisobutyl phthalate Diisobutyl Phthalate is prepared by esterification process of isobutyl alcohol and phthalic anhydride.... (DIBP) Di-n-hexyl phthalate, used in flooring materials, tool handles and automobile parts Trimellitates are used in automobile interiors and other applications where resistance to high temperature is required. They have extremely low volatility. Trimethyl trimellitate (TMTM) Tri-(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TEHTM-MG) Tri-(n-octyl,n-decyl) trimellitate (ATM) Tri-(heptyl,nonyl) trimellitate (LTM) n-octyl trimellitate (OTM) AdipateAdipate Adipate4-COO-) is the ionized form of adipic acid.... -based plasticizers are used for low-temperature or resistance to ultravioletUltraviolet Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than soft X... light. Some examples are: Bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) Dimethyl adipate (DMAD) Monomethyl adipate (MMAD) Dioctyl adipateDioctyl adipate Dioctyl adipate or DOA is a plasticizer.... (DOA) Sebacate-based plasticiser Dibutyl sebacateDibutyl sebacate Dibutyl sebacate is an organic chemical, a dibutyl ester of sebacic acid.... (DBS) MaleateMaleate Maleate is the ionised form of Maleic acid.... s Dibutyl maleate (DBM) Diisobutyl maleate (DIBM) Other plasticisers BenzoateBenzoate The benzoate ion is C6H5COO−.... s EpoxidizedEpoxide An epoxide is a cyclic ether with only three ring atoms.... vegetable oils SulfonamideSulfonamide Sulfonamide may refer to:* Sulfonamide - the sulfonamide functional group... s N-ethyl toluene sulfonamide (o/p ETSA), ortho and para isomers N-(2-hydroxypropyl) benzene sulfonamide (HP BSA) N-(n-butyl) benzene sulfonamide (BBSA-NBBS) OrganophosphateOrganophosphate An organophosphate is the general name for esters of phosphoric acid and is one of the organophosphorus compounds.... s Tricresyl phosphateTricresyl phosphate Tricresyl phosphate, abbreviated TCP, is an organophosphate compound.... (TCP) Tributyl phosphateFacts About Tributyl phosphate Tributyl phosphate, n-tributyl phosphate, or tri-n-butyl phosphate, is an odorless liquid, colorless to ... (TBP) Glycols/polyethers Triethylene glycol dihexanoate (3G6, 3GH) Tetraethylene glycol diheptanoate (4G7) Polymeric plasticizers Some other chemicals working as plasticizers are nitrobenzeneNitrobenzene Summary Nitrobenzene, also known as nitrobenzol or oil of mirbane, is a poisonous organic compound with an almond odor a... , carbon disulfideCarbon disulfide Carbon disulfide is a colorless liquid with the formula CS2.... and ß-naphthyl salicylate. Plasticizers, such as DEHP and DOA, were found to be carcinogenCarcinogen In pathology, a carcinogen is any substance or agent that promotes cancer.... s and endocrine disruptorEndocrine disruptor Endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances that cause adverse biological effects by interfering with the endocrine system... s. Safer plasticizers Safer plasticizers with better biodegradability and less biochemical effects are being developed. Some such plasticizers are: Acetylated monoglycerides; these can be used as food additiveFood additive Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavour or improve its taste and appearance.... s Alkyl citrateCitrate A citrate is an ionic form of citric acid, such as C3H5O33−, that is, citric acid minus three hydrogen ions.... s, used in food packagings, medical products, cosmetics and children toys Triethyl citrateTriethyl citrate Triethyl citrate is an ester of citric acid.... (TEC) Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), higher boiling point and lower volatility than TEC Tributyl citrate (TBC) Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), compatible with PVC and vinyl chloride copolymers Trioctyl citrate (TOC), also used for gums and controlled release medicines Acetyl trioctyl citrate (ATOC), also used for printing inkInk An ink is a liquid containing various pigments and/or dyes used for colouring a surface to render an or text.... Trihexyl citrate (THC), compatible with PVC, also used for controlled release medicines Acetyl trihexyl citrate (ATHC), compatible with PVC Butyryl trihexyl citrate (BTHC, trihexyl o-butyryl citrate), compatible with PVC Trimethyl citrate (TMC), compatible with PVC alkyl sulphonic acid phenyl ester (ASE), compatible with PVC , vinyl chloride copolymers, TPU, NBR etc. Plasticizers for energetic materials Energetic materialEnergetic material Energetic materials are a class of materials with high amount of stored chemical energy that can be released.... compositions, especially solid rocket propellantRocket propellant Rocket propellant is mass that is stored, usually in some form of propellant tank, prior to being used as the propulsive mas... s and smokeless powderSmokeless powder Smokeless powder is the name given to a number of gunpowder-like propellants used in firearms which produce negligible smoke... s for guns, often employ plasticizers to improve physical properties of the propellant binder or of the overall propellant, to provide a secondary fuel, and ideally, to improve specific energy yield (e.g. specific impulseSpecific impulse The specific impulse of a propulsion system is the impulse per unit of propellant.... , energy yield per gram or propellant, or similar indices) of the propellant. An energetic plasticizer improves the physical properties of an energetic materialEnergetic material Energetic materials are a class of materials with high amount of stored chemical energy that can be released.... while also increasing its specific energy yield. Energetic plasticizers are usually preferred to non-energetic plasticizers, especially for solid rocket propellantRocket propellant Rocket propellant is mass that is stored, usually in some form of propellant tank, prior to being used as the propulsive mas... s. Energetic plasticizers reduce the required mass of propellant, enabling a rocket vehicle to carry more payload or reach higher velocities than would otherwise be the case. However, safety or cost considerations may demand that non-energetic plasticizers be used, even in rocket propellants. The solid rocket propellantRocket propellant Rocket propellant is mass that is stored, usually in some form of propellant tank, prior to being used as the propulsive mas... used to fuel the Space ShuttleSpace Shuttle NASA's Space Shuttle, officially called Space Transportation System , is the United States government's current manned... solid rocket boosterSolid rocket booster Solid rocket boosters are used to provide the main thrust in spacecraft launches from the launchpad up to burnout of the SRB... employs a non-energetic plasticizer/binder/secondary fuel: HTPB. HTPB is a synthetic rubberSynthetic rubber Synthetic rubber is any type of artificially made polymer material which acts as an elastomer.... . Here are some energetic plasticizers used in rocket propellantRocket propellant Rocket propellant is mass that is stored, usually in some form of propellant tank, prior to being used as the propulsive mas... s and smokeless powderSmokeless powder Smokeless powder is the name given to a number of gunpowder-like propellants used in firearms which produce negligible smoke... s: Nitroglycerine (NG, aka "nitro", glyceryl trinitrate) Butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN) DinitrotolueneDinitrotoluene Dinitrotoluene or Dinitro is an explosive with the formula C6H32.... (DNT) Trimethylolethane trinitrate (TMETN, aka Metriol trinitrate, METN) Diethylene glycol dinitrateDiethylene glycol dinitrate Diethylene glycol dinitrate is a nitrated alcohol ester produced by the action of concentrated nitric acid, normally admixed... (DEGDN, less commonly DEGN) Bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal (BDNPF) Bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)acetal (BDNPA) 2,2,2-Trinitroethyl 2-nitroxyethyl ether (TNEN) Due to the secondary alcohol groups, NG and BTTN have relatively low thermal stability. TMETN, DEGDN, BDNPF and BDNPA have relatively low energies. NG and DEGN have relatively high vapor pressureVapor pressure Vapor pressure is the pressure of a vapor in equilibrium with its non-vapor phases.... . External links Notations External links , , and - Risk Assessment Reports by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB).