PLASTIFIER Meaning and
Definition
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A plastifier refers to a substance or agent that is utilized to increase the plasticity and flexibility of materials, particularly those made from polymers or plastics. By altering the physical properties of the material, a plastifier allows for easier molding, reshaping, or processing into desired forms. The primary objective of a plastifier is to enhance the elasticity and workability of a material while reducing its brittleness.
Plastifiers are commonly employed in the manufacturing processes of various products, such as PVC pipes, polymer sheets, vinyl flooring, and plastic coatings, among others. They act by interacting with the polymer matrix, reducing intermolecular forces and facilitating the movement of polymer chains. This enables the material to become more pliable, enabling it to be stretched, molded, or bent with ease.
The inclusion of a plastifier can bring numerous benefits to the final product. It enhances the overall flexibility, impact resistance, and durability of the material, making it less prone to cracking or breaking under stress. Plastifiers also improve the material's thermal stability and resistance to weathering, preventing premature degradation due to temperature changes or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Different types of plastifiers exist, including phthalate and non-phthalate variants, which are chosen based on the specific requirements of the application and regulations governing their usage. The proper selection and use of plastifiers are important factors in the quality and performance of plastic materials.
Etymology of PLASTIFIER
The word "plastifier" seems to be derived from the noun "plastic" combined with the suffix "-ify" and the agent noun suffix "-er".
"Plastic" originates from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "capable of being shaped or formed". It was adopted into English in the seventeenth century and originally referred to any malleable or adaptable substance.
The suffix "-ify" comes from the Latin "-i-ficare", which means "to make or cause" or "to become". It is often added to adjectives or nouns to form verbs indicating the action of making or becoming something.
Lastly, the suffix "-er" is an agent noun suffix commonly used in English to denote a person or thing that performs or undergoes a specific action.
Therefore, the term "plastifier" suggests something or someone that makes or causes something to become more plastic-like or malleable.
