This handbook utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most comprehensive source of current information on plasticizers available. It addresses underlying theory, plasticizer incorporation, formulation with plasticizers, their effect on material properties, instrumental analysis, mathematical modeling, health and safety, environmental protection, and recycling. It also presents plasticizers selection for 52 groups of polymers, 28 groups of industrial products, and 18 methods of processing — including reasons for selection, typical formulations, effect on other additives, effect on durability and properties, and more.

From the Introduction: “...Plasticizers are commonly classified based on their chemical composition because it is easier to understand the influence of structural elements (e.g., different alcohols in a homologous series of phthalates, adipates, etc.) on properties of plasticizers and their effect on materials, which contain them. For this reason, we also group plasticizers by chemical family (or category) such as esters, phthalates, chlorinated paraffins. It is important to consider that classification should help in extraction of an objective truth rather than to be used for crude simplifications. For example, grouping paraffins by the length of their carbon chain and concentration of chlorine helps in understanding their ecological effect and proper categorization of information and literature on the subject...”

Target Audience: Researchers, formulators, designers, product development and marketing managers, and any other reader interested in plasticizers.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Plasticizer Types

Methods of Quality Control of Plasticizers

Transportation and Storage

Mechanisms of Plasticizers Action

Theories of Compatibility

Plasticizer Motion and Diffusion

Effect of Plasticizers on Other Components of Formulation

Plasticization Steps

Effect of Plasticizers on Properties of Plasticized Materials

Plasticizers Use and Selection for Specific Polymers

Plasticizers in Polymer Blends

Plasticizers in Various Industrial Processes

Plasticizers in Various Processing Methods

Specialized Analytical Methods in Plasticizer Testing

Mathematical Modelling in Application to Plasticizers

Heath and Safety Issues with Plasticizers and Plasticized Materials

The Environmental Fate of Plasticizers

Regulations and Data

Personal Protection

Plasticizer Recovery & Recycling

Index

Note: Plasticizers Database is a companion CD-ROM.