Plastics thermoplastic paraffinic polymers

Fluorinated plastics are thermoplastic paraffinic polymers where the hydrogen has been replaced by fluorine and, in some cases, chlorine. 

Cblorina.ted Pa.ra.ffins, The term chlotinated paraffins covers a variety of compositions. The prime variables are molecular weight of the starting paraffin and the chlorine content of the final product. Typical products contain from 12—24 carbons and from 40—70 wt % chlorine. Liquid chlotinated paraffins are used as plasticizers (qv) and flame retardants ia paint (qv) and PVC formulations. The soHd materials are used as additive flame retardants ia a variety of thermoplastics. In this use, they are combiaed with antimony oxide which acts as a synergist. Thermal stabilizers, such as those used ia PVC (see vinyl polymers), must be used to overcome the inherent thermal iastabiUty. 

Polymer encapsulation is an ex situ S/S technique involving the application of thermoplastic resins such as bitumen, polyethylene and other polyelfins, paraffins, waxes, and sulfur-based cements, as opposed to cements and pozzolans. Polymer encapsulation has been used primarily to immobilize low-level radioactive wastes and those waste types that are difficult to immobilize in cement, such as Cl- and SO4-based salts. Bitumen (asphalt) is the least expensive and (hence) used most often. Thermoplastic encapsulation heats and mixes the contaminated soil with the resin at 130 to 230°C in an extrusion machine. Organic pollutants and water boil off during the extrusion and are collected for treatment or disposal. The final product, a stiff yet plastic resin, is then discharged into a drum or other container and land-filled (U.S. EPA, 1997). 

The most widely used thermoplastic polymer is the ethylene—vinyl acetate copolymer, which is obtainable in a wide range of molecular weights as well as in a variety of compositions. Often flexibilizers or plasticizers are added in order to improve both the mechanical shock resistance and the thermal properties of the adhesive. Polybutenes, phthalates, and tricresyl phosphate have been used as plasticizers. Tackifying agents can also be added. Because hot-melt adhesives are frequendy ethylene-based, they are subject to oxidation if, as in a typical situation, the adhesive sits in an applicator for long periods before use. Thus, antioxidants such as hindered phenols are often used, as are fillers. Fillers are added to opacify or to modify the adhesive s flow characteristics, as well as to reduce cost. Wax is also a very important component. Wax alters surface characteristics by decreasing both the liquid adhesive s surface tension and its viscosity in the melt. Upon solidification, however, the wax acts to increase the strength of the adhesive. Both paraffin and microcrystalline wax are used (see Waxes). 

Plasticizers, which are added to improve the flexibility, softness and processibility of plastics, constitute a broad range of chemically and thermally stable products of a variety of chemical classes. Their principal use is in thermoplastic resins, and 80-85% of the world s production of plasticizers are used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing. Approximately 450 plasticizers are commercially available. Many are esters of carboxylic acids (e.g. phthalic, isophthalic, adipic, benzoic, abietic, trimellitic, oleic, sebacic acids) or phosphoric acid. Other plasticizers are chlorinated paraffins, epoxidized vegetable oils and adipate polymers. 

---