Other Alternatives to Phthalates

Trimellitates with improved extraction resistance and reduced volatile loss have been developed as alternatives to phthalates in automotive and furniture upholstery, wire insulation and gaskets. Morflex Inc. sells tri-n-hexyl and tri-isodecyl trimellitates. 

The plasticising qualities of sorbitol and its compoimds have been known for many years. The Dutch agricultural research institute, ATO, is commercialising sorbitol-based plasticisers as alternatives to phthalates. 

BASF offers Hexamoll DINCH, a series of di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2 dicarboxylates, targeted at toys, food packaging and the medical device market. They are said to be free of reproductive effects, genotoxicity or sensitisation. 

C P Hall markets butyl benzyl phthalate as a general-purpose plasticiser under the name Plasthall BBP. It is said to reduce the melt viscosity of calendered or extruded PVC considerably, and it competes with dibutyl phthalate, mainly because it is less volatile and more extraction resistant, although it is not as resistant as the higher molecular weight plasticisers. 

Triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate and tri-(2-ethylhexyl)-citrate are used to plasticise PVC in sensitive markets like medical equipment and food packaging. Tributyl citrate is used in PVC, PVDC and their copolymers for food-wrapping film and similar applications because it is thermally stable and does not cause the products to discolom. Acetyl tributyl citrate is promoted by Jungbunzlauer under the name Citrafol BII as a substitute for phthalates in children s toys. It can be processed on standard equipment. 

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