Process Oils and Plasticisers

Plasticisers used in rubbers are materials, which have the effect of reducing compound viscosity, thus making the material more plastic during processing. These materials also function to control physical properties such as hardness and low-temperature flexibility. Plasticisers have an influence on many other properties and thus must be selected in order to provide the overall property profile for the end product. Basic types available are as described in the following sections. 

The composition of the oils may be inferred from several of the key properties measured [15] which includes the viscosity-gravity constant, refractive index, density and aniline point. Other properties measured include viscosity, flash point, volatility and colour. 

A wide range of products fall into this category based on monomeric and polymeric types. Used with polar polymers for compatibility reasons. Selection of type used must be made according to properties required [16]. These may be classified as general-purpose, low-temperature, high temperature, flame-retardant or permanent plasticisers. 

Many other classes of material are used as plasticisers for rubber for specific property enhancement. Examples are  

Chlorinated paraffins Reactive monomers Thermoplastic polymers Resinous materials Liquid polymers 

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