What are the main applications of plasticizers in various fields? Application requirements

Plasticizers are a type of material additive that can reduce the viscosity of the melt, increase the flexibility of polymers, increase their elongation at break, lower their processing temperature, improve their processing characteristics, enhance their impact performance, improve their low flexibility, and lower their surface hardness. So, what are the main applications of plasticizers in various fields? What are the application requirements? Today, the editor of Aoxi has provided a detailed summary for everyone. Let's take a look together.

1、 The application of plasticizers in various fields

1. Application of Plasticizers in Coatings

There are many types of coatings, but they can generally be divided into two categories: solvent based coatings and water-based latex coatings. Adding plasticizers to resin coatings can increase the flexibility of the coating, improve adhesion, overcome the brittleness and cracking of the coating, and also improve the formulation process performance of the coating. The plasticizers used in resin coatings should have good compatibility with the resin, with heat resistance, light resistance, cold resistance, weather resistance, low volatility, and relatively stable performance. At present, the most commonly used ones are phthalic acid value, phosphate ester value, adipic acid value, decanedioate and chlorinated compounds, polyol synthesis of plant esters, etc.

2. Application of Plasticizers in Concrete

The higher the moisture content of general concrete, the better its fluidity and workability. But when there is enough moisture in the concrete, the strength and moisture content of the concrete after solidification are inversely proportional. Therefore, if concrete is to have high strength, the water content of the concrete cannot be too much, and the workability of the concrete will deteriorate. Plasticizers can reduce its water content (hence called water reducing agents) without affecting its workability, while also improving the strength of the concrete. If volcanic ash is added to the concrete, plasticizers will also be added to enhance strength. When producing high-strength concrete or fiber-reinforced concrete, this method is commonly used to enhance strength.

3. Application of plasticizers in energetic materials

Energetic materials and pyrotechnic agents generally use plasticizers, which can improve the physical properties of the propellant itself or its binder, and can also be used as auxiliary fuel to enhance the propulsion force (i.e. specific impulse)provided by a unit mass of fuel. Plasticizers are particularly needed in solid rocket propellants and smokeless propellants to improve physical properties or increase

specific impulse. Plasticizers that can increase specific impulse are generally referred to as energetic plasticizers.

4. The application of plasticizers in food packaging

One commonly used cling film is PE (polyethylene) material without additives, but its viscosity is poor; Another widely used type is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cling film, which contains a large amount of plasticizers to make PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material soft and increase viscosity, making it very suitable for packaging fresh food.

5. Application of Plasticizers in Gypsum Dry Walls

The plasticizers used in gypsum dry walls, also known as dispersants, can increase the workability of gypsum before solidification. In order to reduce the   

energy required to dry the dry wall, less water is added during production, and the workability will deteriorate. Adding plasticizers can improve its workability.

But if an excessive amount of plasticizer is added, it will have a retarding effect and also cause a decrease in the strength of the gypsum dry wall.