Medium Chain Length Chlorinated Paraffins

Most of the extenders used in plasticised PVC compositions to reduce the amount of plasticiser required are epoxidised compounds, hydrocarbons or chlorohydrocarbons, including a few medium chain length chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs). These last substances typically have 14 to 17 carbon atoms, and unlike their longer chain analogues they are thought to pose a threat to some types of aquatic life. Dover Chemical Corp. is marketing low volatility liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon products under the name Paroil X-10 as extenders to replace part of the plasticiser in PVC. 

The changeover in much of Europe from DEHP to DINP as the main plasticiser in several applications necessitates a reduced usage of MCCPs because they are less compatible with DINP than with DEHP. 

Extenders are used to a limited extent in other polymers besides PVC, such as polyethylene and certain rubbers. 

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Ballschmiter K (1994) Determination of short and medium chain length chlorinated paraffins in samples of water and sediment from surface water. Abt Anal Chem und Umweltchem. 10 May 1994. Unpublished data report... 

Thomas GO, Earrar DG, Braekevelt E, Stem GA, Kalantzi OI, Martin EL, Jones KC (2006) Short and medium chain length chlorinated paraffins in UK human milk-fat. Environ Int... 

Chlorinated paraffins are very complex mixtures and are often divided into several groups depending on the chain, length of the starting material and the amount of chlorine in the final product. Three major groups are short-, medium- and long-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs). 

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