Plasticizer fast-solvating

Hexyl alcohol, a mixture of n- and iso C6 alcohols made via the oxo process by Exxon Chemical Co., started the flow of new monohydric alcohols as intermediates for PVC plasticizers in the sixties. Dihexyl phthalate - the phthalate of this alcohol - is a fast solvator and competes with other fast solvating types in markets such as vinyl flooring and carpet backing. 

A considerable range of plasticizers is available but those used most commonly are phthalate esters such as dioctyl or dinonyl phthalate (DOP or DNP). If it should be necessary to reduce the temperature of fusion, or to increase the rate of fusion (as with some expandable plastisols) a fast-solvating plasticizer such as butyl benzyl phthalate may be employed. Besides primary plasticizers such as these, less efficient secondary plasticizers (like chlorinated paraffins) can be included with a view to reducing costs and improving flame retardance. 

If solvent degreasing/cleaning is going to be employed, then a fast drying solvent which has a relatively low solvating power towards the plastics being degreased needs to be used. 

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