A comprehensive guide to comparing plasticizer performance: From Compatibility to Durability

Plasticizers achieve the following goals by reducing the intermolecular forces in PVC:

Lower the softening temperature.

Reduce melt viscosity

Increase mobility and flexibility

Improve machinability

1. Compatibility (with PVC resin)

- Definition: The affinity of a plasticizer for PVC resin.

- Criterion for judgment: The closer the solubility parameters, the better the compatibility.

Conclusion:

DOS and ESO have poor compatibility with PVC and need to be used in combination with the main plasticizer.

- Others (such as DOP, DOTP, etc.) can be used alone as primary plasticizers.

2. Growth rate efficiency (using DOP efficiency as a benchmark, the smaller the ratio, the better the efficiency)

- Definition: The amount of plasticizer required to achieve the same modulus of elasticity.

Formula: Efficiency ratio = 50 (DOP dosage) / X (dosage of a certain plasticizer)

- Meaning: The smaller the ratio, the higher the efficiency and the less the usage. To achieve the same softness, the amount of DOA or DOS needed is less than that of DOP.

Durability

- Include: Volatility resistance (weight loss %), oil/solvent extraction resistance, migration resistance.

- Impact: Poor durability can cause products to become hard and performance to decline.

Conclusion:

TOTM has the best overall durability, especially in terms of resistance to volatilization and extraction, making it the preferred choice for high-temperature cable materials. ESO has good resistance to migration and volatilization. ATBC, DOA, and DOS have comparatively poor durability.

Cold resistance (Low-temperature flexibility °C, the lower the value, the better the cold resistance)

- Compatibility relationship: shows an inverse relationship.

- Application: DOS and DOA are excellent cold-resistant plasticizers, suitable for products used in cold environments.

5. Processing performance (minimum plastication temperature °C, the lower the value, the easier the processing)

- Influencing factors: compatibility + minimum plastication temperature.

- Meaning: It affects the molding efficiency and product quality.

6. Electrical insulation (volume resistivity Ω·cm, the higher the value, the better the insulation)

- Impact: Plasticizers can reduce the electrical insulation properties of PVC, especially those of the fatty acid type.

The electrical insulation performance of DOTP is significantly superior to traditional DOP, making it the preferred choice for high-performance cable materials.

- Single-use restriction: DOS and ESO should not be used alone.

High temperature environment: Preferably choose TOTM.

- Low temperature environment: Recommend DOS or DOA.

- High insulation requirements: choose DOTP.

- Weather resistance requirements: ESO is used in combination with other plasticizers.