ChemFlexx 206

The Chemical Company’s (TCC) ChemFlexx 206 is considered to be a “functional replacement” for linear plasticizers. It is an organic, non-hazardous, liquid, phthalate ester.

ChemFlexx 206 is a plasticizer for the manufacture of flexible plastics. End use applications include PVC floor coverings, roofing membranes, swimming pool liners and wall coverings, expanded leather, PVC foams, films, sealing and adhesive systems based on polyurethane or polysulphide, soft squeeze toys, balls, vinyl upholstery, tablecloths, shower curtains, raincoats, and a range of other products that must stay flexible for the lifetime of their use.

Plasticizer Overview
Plasticizers are polymer additives that serve to increase the polymer’s flexibility, elongation and ease of processing. In other words, they make the polymer more workable. In technical terms, the addition of a plasticizer generally causes a reduction in the cohesive intermolecular forces along polymer chains. The chains can then move more freely relative to one another, hence reducing the stiffness of the polymer.

The use of plasticizers began in the mid 1860s when castor oil was added to Cellulose Nitrate. The most commonly measured physical effects include melt viscosity, elasticity modulus, and the glass transition temperature. Other types of plasticizers have been used through the years, but in the late 1930s, phthalates were introduced because they were believed to be less toxic. The two most common plasticizers used today are di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP). Both of which are generally used in the manufacture of PVC related products.

The Phthalate Plasticizer Market
In 1999, the global volume of plasticizers was approximately 10 billion lbs., or about $5 billion, The market has had an average yearly growth rate of 2-3 percent.

Of these plasticizers, standard phthalate esters comprise over 85 percent of the tonnage produced every year. Phthalates command the market due to their low cost, ease of use and and availability. Other common plasticizers include adipates, polymerics and trimellitates.

Over 90 percent of plasticizer volume goes into flexible PVC applications. Plasticized PVC polymer is found in a wide variety of products including food packaging, construction materials, toys, and medical devices. Yet PVC in its “true” form is a hard, brittle polymer used in PVC pipe for the construction industry.