PLASTICIZER Meaning and
Definition
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A plasticizer is a substance, often in liquid form, that is added to a material or compound to enhance its flexibility, durability, and workability. It is primarily utilized in the production of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to improve their physical properties. The plasticizer is intended to reduce the rigidity and stiffness of the material, making it more malleable and easily moldable.
Plasticizers function by intercalating between the polymer chains, increasing the space between them and thereby reducing intermolecular forces. This allows the chains to move more freely, ultimately imparting the desired flexibility to the plastic. The introduction of a plasticizer into the polymer matrix creates a lubricating effect, which enables the material to be easily processed during manufacturing, such as during extrusion or injection molding.
Various types of plasticizers exist, each with different chemical properties and applications. Common examples include phthalates, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which are widely used in PVC products like hoses, cables, and flooring. Additionally, adipates, citrates, and trimellitates are commonly employed as plasticizers in different industries.
While plasticizers play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of plastics, there can be concerns related to their potential migration from the material, particularly in applications involving food contact or medical devices. Therefore, regulations and certifications often dictate the maximum allowable levels of plasticizers in specific products to ensure human and environmental safety.
Common Misspellings for PLASTICIZER
Etymology of PLASTICIZER
The word "plasticizer" is derived from the term "plasticize", which in turn comes from the word "plastic". The term "plastic" is derived from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "capable of being shaped or molded".
In the early 19th century, the term "plastic" was first used to describe materials that could be molded or shaped into various forms. Over time, chemists began experimenting with adding substances to these materials to make them more malleable, flexible, and able to undergo deformation without losing integrity. These substances were called "plasticizers" because they were used to "plasticize" the materials.
The term "plasticizer" itself was first recorded in the English language in the early 20th century.
Similar spelling words for PLASTICIZER
- plasterwork,
- pleistocene,
- plasticine,
- plaster cast,
- plasterboard,
- plasticity,
- plasticize,
- plastered,
- plastination,
- plasterer,
- plastic film,
- plastique,
- plastinate,
- plaster over,
- plastic bag,
- plastic wrap,
- plasticise,
- plastically,
- plasticiser,
- plastic art,
- plastic bomb.
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