Fast-fusing plasticizers

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is by far the largest volume outlet for n-butanol in the plasticizer market. Monsanto is the world s principal supplier of this fast fusing plasticizer for PVC resin. BBP has become a key plasticizer in vinyl flooring compositions as a result of its stain resistance and processability. 

DBP and BBP are fast-fusing plasticizers for PVC. They are mostly used in combination with DEHP. BBP is further present in cosmetics, such as hair sprays containing 0.1 to 1% BBP. Cl to C4 phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers for cellulose resins and some vinyl ester resins. C4 phthalates are also appropriate plasticizers for nitrocellulose lacquers. Further non-polymeric uses of phthalates are fixatives, detergents, lubricating oils and solvents in products such as cosmetics and wood finishes as well as additives in insect repellents. ... 

Examples of some of the more common plasticizers and their classifications are listed in Table 24.2. Often a plasticizer can be placed in multiple classifications. For example, linear phthalates are recognized for both their low temperature performance and low volatility. In addition some specialty plasticizers could also fit in the fast fast-fusing plasticizers classification. 

Fast-fusing plasticizers enable the PVC material to be processed faster or at lower temperatures. Generally it is in the area of plasfisol applications where the uses of faster fusing plasticizers are preferred. Examples of fast-fiising plasticizers include butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), citrates, the epoxidized fatty acid plasticizer methyl epoxy stearate, alkyl sulfonic acid esters of phenol, dibutyl phthalates and tere-phthalates, and dibenzoate esters and benzoate ester blends. It should be noted that the use of BBP in PVC has rapidly declined because of product restrictions, while the use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) declined in North America and in Europe years ago because of its high volatility. 

With the availability of a bioprocess to produce succinic acid, interest is developing in succinate esters, as plasticizers having a biocomponent studies on a series of succinates have shown that the performance of di-2-ethylhexyl succinate (DEHS) in PVC is very close to that of DEHA except in permanence, where the volatility losses are greater than those of DEHA [29]. If DEHS becomes available at lower prices and if volatile losses are not important, this material may have some utility as a secondary plasticizer. Another type of succinate ester, butyl benzyl succinate, was also evaluated in flexible PVC flooring and shown to perform as both a fast-fusing plasticizer and a stain-resistant plasticizer [30]. 

Citrates are fast-fusing plasticizers, especially when compared to many of the phthalate alternatives. Unfortunately citrates are not as permanent because of high volatility losses, and the finished PVC products do not remain as flexible for as long as those prepared from more permanent plasticizers. Citrates are often used in blends with the harder-to-process terephthalate or cyclohexanoate plasticizers, but in these applications, because of costs, dibenzoate plasticizers may be preferred. Citrate esters also find uses with other plastics such as acrylics, cellulosic polymers, and vinyl acetate. Acetylated tributyl citrate (ATBC) does have a number of food contact and medical approvals and is commonly found in toys, often in combination with DEHTP or DC9CH. 

In recent years, much of this market has converted to DEHTP or DEHTP blends with dibenzoates or di-butylterephthalate. Vinyl floor tiles and other forms of sheet flooring are produced by calendering again, GP plasticizers, often used in blends with fast-fusing plasticizers, are commonly used. Plasticized PVC is also a major component of some types of carpets and carpet tiles, either as an adhesive or as a backing material. Faster fusing plasticizers systems are preferred because the lower fusion temperature is desired to protect the carpet fibers. 

In addition to these major market segments, plasticizers are used in a variety of smaller segments. Adhesives and sealants generally use lower molecular weight phthalate esters, benzoate esters and diesters, and dibutyl terephthalate because of improved solvency and lower fusion temperatures. One major use of plasticized PVC is automotive underbody coatings these products are highly filled plastisols that are mostly commonly based upon GP plasticizers often with a fast fusing plasticizer added to improve processability however, plasticizer volatility can be a major concern. 

Fast fusing plasticizers may also be included. The formulations are particularly useful in the production of a range of goods from semi-rigid to highly flexible materials and are particularly useful in the production of medical materials such as blood bags and tubing. 

On the other hand, if a salvo of rockets is required, a fast-burning PIC can be uncoiled into the bottom of a flight-box (which is a box with a wire mesh floor containing rockets, whereby the sticks or tails protrude downwards). On ignition, the plastic fuse rapidly ignites each of the quickmatch fuses protruding from the nozzles of the rockets. 

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