Plasticizers: product lines reviewed.

PLASTICIZERS PRODUCT LINES REVIEWED

ADVANCE COATINGS CO.

Manufactures N-butyl benzenesulfamide for nylon resins.

AKZO CHEMICALS INC.

Offers a line of nonhalogenated phosphate esters known as Phosflex flame-retardant plasticizers that reportedly make available to compounders the optimum flame-retardant plasticizer from one source. Included in the Phosflex group are: isopropylated triaryl phosphates, alkyl diphenyl phosphates, t-butyl triaryl phosphates, natural triaryl phosphates, and specialty products.

ALBRIGHT & WILSON AMERICAS

Offers a complete range of phosphate ester plasticizers that are compatible with a wide variety of resins and polymers. Triaryl phosphates made from phenol and cresylic acids and equivalent esters made from phenol and synthetic alkyl phenols are readily available. Tri-alkyl phosphates, such as the 2-ethylhexyl, octyl, and butyl and 2-butoxyethyl derivatives, are also available.

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SERVICE

Company produces a line of epoxidized vegetable oil plasticizers. Products include Epoxol 9-5, epoxidized linseed oil; Epoxol 7-4, epoxidized soybean oil; and Epoxol 8-2B, epoxidized butyl ester of linseed. Products are FDA-sanctioned plasticizers.

AMOCO CHEMICAL CO.

Vinyl plasticizers, based on Amoco trimellitic anhydride (TMA), are said to offer vinyl compounders and users a combination of benefits unmatched by polymeric or other monomeric plasticizers. In applications such as vinyl-wire insulation and nonfogging automotive sheet, esters of trimellitic anhydride surpass the performance of other kinds of plasticizers. The properties of trimellitates allow high-performance vinyls to be formulated at favorable cost/performance ratios.

Trimellitate plasticizers offer many of the performance advantages of both polyester and phthalate plasticizers. Trimellitates have high-temperature permanence that equals or exceeds polyester plasticizers. Unlike polymeric plasticizers, trimellitates also provide flexibility at low temperatures.

ANDERSON DEVELOPMENT CO.

Offers its TGD plasticizer, which appears to be stable in polyether and polyester urethane elastomers at levels up to 20%. It is useful to lower the hardness of polyurethanes and in low levels for reducing the viscosity of prepolymers.

ARGUS DIV.

See Witco Corp.

ARISTECH CHEMICAL CO.

Company offers a complete line of phthalate, adipate, trimellitate, and maleate plasticizers:

* PX 109 di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) - for g-p PVC.

* PX 138 di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate - for g-p PVC.

* PX 104 dibutyl phthalate - for specialty applications where quick solvency is desired.

* PX 914 butyl octyl phthalate for g-p PVC.

* PX 120 di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) - for higher temperature applications, such as electrical wire insulation.

* PX 126 di-tridecyl phthalate - for extremely high-temperature PVC processing.

* PX 209 di-isononyladipate - for low-temperature vinyl film food wrap.

* PX 238 di-2-ethyl hexyl adipate (DOA) - for g-p low-temperature processing of vinyl film for good applications.

* PX 316 mixed n-alkyl 6-10 phthalate - for superior performance in low-temperature processing of vinyl.

* PX 336, PX 338, and PX 339 trimellitates - for extremely high-temperature vinyl applications such as wire and cable.

* PX 504 and PX 538 maleates - for coatings.

* PX 111 di-undecyl phthalate (DUP).

ATOCHEM NORTH AMERICA, INC.

VIKING PRODUCTS DIV.

Vikoflex 7170 epoxidized soybean oil and Vikoflex 7190 epoxidized linseed oil are high-oxirane, FDA-sanctioned products that reportedly combine optimum heat and light-stabilizing action with true polymeric plasticizer performance. Low odor, low migration and resistance to extraction reportedly make them suitable for all flexible, semi-rigid and rigid PVC compounds. Vikoflex 7190 is recommended for food-contact and medical applications where very little or no metallic stabilizer is used. Company also offers Vikoflex 4050 low-temperature epoxy ester plasticizer and low-viscosity esters of epoxidized soybean and linseed acids.

BASF CORP.

CHEMICALS DIV.

Company is a major producer of adipate, trimellitate, and phthalate plasticizers. Products include octyl, nonyl and decyl phthalates, octyl and nonyl adipates, TOTM, several proprietary products (Palatinol 91P), and fastfusing dialkyl phthalates (Palatinol FF21 and FF31). Chemical division also produces DBP and DOM.

BEDFORD CHEMICAL DIV.

See Ferro Corp.

CAMBRIDGE INDUSTRIES CO.

Resoflex R-296, R-446, R-460, R-766, R-804 and R-446 are resinous plasticizers especially suited for use with those film-forming resins that are generally incompatible with other plasticizers. Polyvinyl acetate is a primary application. They are also said to be compatible with nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, nylon, certain grades of polyvinyl alcohol and other natural and synthetic film-forming materials.

CASCHEM INC.

Several ricinoleate-based plasticizers are offered. These Flexricin products include a low-temperature plasticizer for PVC plastisols and a grade for polyvinyl butyral.

In addition, a series of acetoxy stearates includes Paricin 6 plasticizer/lubricant for PVC high-temperature wire jacketing (reportedly offering better oil and water extraction resistance than epoxy, polyester or pentaerythritol types) and Paricin 8 for PVC plastisols, which boasts nonexudation, easy deaeration, and maintenance of low viscosity, and can reportedly partially replace polyester types in UL 105 C compounds.

Several castor oil products are also offered for use in epoxy, phenolic and urethane systems.

CROWLEY CHEMICAL CO. INC.

Company's Viplex plasticizers are low-cost aromatic hydrocarbons derived from petroleum and used primarily in vinyl plastisols and organisols where color is not a factor. They are designed to meet a variety of volatility standards. Colors range from tan to green to black.

Properties of Viplex 895, the most widely used of the Viplex series, include high solvency and excellent gel. Viscosity of a plastisol using Viplex 895 is said to be higher than is possible with DOP alone, and much higher than one with dodecylbenzene. Replacement levels for phthalate plasticizer are 70% or more.

For epoxies, Viplex 885 is a low-viscosity plasticizer/extender than can be added at levels around 20% to either resin or catalyst prior to combining and is said to improve sprayability.

For urethanes, Viplex 525 is a low-viscosity flexibilizer/extender that can be added to the resin or polyol before combining to affect viscosity reductions, good wetting of pigment, fillers and glass, less pinholing, reduced exotherm, and improved moisture resistance.

For polyesters, Viplex 885 is said to improve tensile strength and impact resistance. It reduces mold shrinkage and markedly reduces water absorption.

DOVER CHEMICAL CORP.

Offers an extensive line of liquid chlorinated paraffins designed as secondary plasticizers for flexible PVC. See also Heat Stabilizers.

DU PONT CO.

Company offers a unique class of resinous "permanent plasticizers" for PVC. These Elvaloy products are distinguished by an extremely high molecular weight (250,000), which is said to make PVC compounds more durable. They reportedly have near zero extraction and essentially zero volatility, migration, and exudation, and provide heat and oil resistance. They have been used commercially for calendered, extruded and injection molded products. Applications include several types of footwear, office chair mats, pond liners, single-ply roofing, automotive interior applications, upholstery, wire and cable insulation, floor tile, hose and tubing. The products are available as free-flowing pellets and in powder form. Grades suitable for impact modification of PVC are also available.

EASTMAN CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Kodaflex line of plasticizers for PVC includes many of the more common phthalates as well as adipate and trimellitate types. Unique in the line is Kodaflex DOTP, dioctyl terephthalate, offered as a replacement for DOP and similar plasticizers in applications that require improved durability, good electrical properties and improved automotive fogging resistance. In addition, DOTP allows use of PVC in contact with furniture finishes, since it has little tendency to migrate and soften nitrocellulose lacquers.

Other unique plasticizers in the Kodaflex line include TXIB for applications requiring low plastisol viscosity, and PA-5, used to promote adhesion to metal.

EMERY GROUP

DIV. HENKEL CORP.

Manufactures a broad line of specialty plasticizers to meet practically any combination of performance and economic requirements. These include a line of low-temperature plasticizers to solve cold-weather flexibility problems, polymeric plasticizers to impart permanence and durability, and epoxy plasticizers to provide stability against light and heat.

EXXON CHEMICAL AMERICAS

Offers a broad line of plasticizers. Company's Jayflex plasticizers, used alone and in combination as custom blends include: linear and branched phthalate plasticizer such as dihexyl (DHP), diisoheptyl (77), diisononyl (DINP), diisodecyl (DIDP), ditridecyl (DTDP), diundecyl (DUP), diheptyl nonyl undecyl (7911), dinonyl undecyl (911) and diundecyl (DUP). Trimellitates such as triisononyl (TINTM), adipates, extenders and specialty plasticizers are also available.

FERRO CORP.

BEDFORD CHEMICAL DIV.

Company's Plas-Chek 775, epoxidized soybean oil, is available for use as a secondary plasticizer and secondary heat stabilizer in flexible PVC formulations. Plas-Chek 775 is sanctioned for use in FDA applications such as foodwrap film.

FOCUS CHEMICAL CORP.

Offers ortho-para toluene sulfonamide and dioctyl sebacate plasticizers.

GOLDEN BEAR DIV.

See Witco Corp.

C.P. HALL CO.

Offers a complete line of monomeric and polymeric plasticizers suited for many polymer applications. Company can provide a wide range of desired properties by utilizing a range of acids (such as adipic, azelaic, glutaric, phthalic, and sebacic) in combination with a variety of alcohols or glycols.

Polymeric plasticizers, having molecular weights of 800 to 8000 and viscosities from 1200 to 160,000 cps, are available for use in flexible PVC, rubber, adhesives, inks and coatings. These products can impart low-temperature flexibility, resistance to extraction by water, oil and solvents, as well as other polymer-related properties. Monomeric products range from standard phthalates to proprietary special-purpose materials. Plasticizer products can be made to be compatible with many polymers to allow tailoring of selection to most desired requirements. In addition, Epoxidized soybean oil, Paraplex G-25, G-60 and Plasthall ESO, as well as epoxidized tallates and dioleate are available as stabilizers/plasticizers for PVC, other halogenated polymers, and inks and coatings systems. These materials offer resistance to light and heat and impart minimal odor and taste.

HARWICK CHEMICAL CORP.

Plasticizer line includes phthalates, adipates, sebacates, chlorinated paraffins and proprietary diesters for PVC or acrylonitrile-based resins.

HATCO CHEMICAL CORP.

Plasticizers for PVC are manufactured to meet requirements for high purity, high ester content, low color, odor and taste, superior stability, and high uniformity. An extensive product line includes numerous phthalates, adipates, trimellitates and sebacates.

HENKEL CORP.

CHEMICAL SPECIALTIES DIV.

Distributes a line of epoxy plasticizers and specialty plasticizers under the trade name Edenol, manufactured by Henkel in Germany.

Edenol epoxy plasticizers are useful both as flexibilizing agents and heat stabilizing functions in flexible PVC. Henkel has acquired the Plastolein plasticizer business of Emery Chemicals. Plastolein plasticizers include high-performance, polymeric plasticizers and low-temperature plasticizers for PVC products.

HERCULES INC.

A proprietary monomeric-type plasticizer, Hercoflex 707, is recommended for use in flexible vinyl applications requiring high-temperature performance and good processability. Hercoflex 600 plasticizer is a pale, high-boiling liquid with extremely low volatility and excellent resistance to heat, light, and moisture. This product reportedly exhibits good electrical characteristics and is recommended for use wherever high performance after extended aging is required.

HOECHST CELANESE CORP.

RESINS & COATINGS DIV.

Offers Uresin B, a carbamate resin for plasticizing PVC and other plastic films.

HULS AMERICA, INC.

Full line of plasticizers for PVC includes:

*Phthalates - broad line includes general-purpose types (DOP, DIDP, DTDP) and proprietary blends.

*Specialty - including low-temperature types (DOA, DIDA and a proprietary type, Nuoplaz 6934) and trimellitates (TOTM).

*Nonstaining - proprietary nonstaining plasticizers for flooring, dip coating, low shrinkage, and metal adhesion.

INOLEX CHEMICAL CO.

Manufactures a wide variety of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra esters as well as polymeric plasticizers. Lexolube plasticizers are used in vinyl, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, and other plastics. Company will manufacture high-performance products on a proprietary basis.

KENRICH PETROCHEMICALS INC.

Three separate lines of low-cost, proprietary plasticizers are offered. The first is a line of aromatic hydrocarbons compatible with PVC, rubber, acrylonitrile, and SAN. Two series of these materials are available:

*Kenplast G is a low-cost, low-viscosity mixture of alkylated naphthalenes and phenanthrenes with an initial boiling point of 570 F and a final boiling point around 700 F. This material is said to be an effective extender for epoxies, a secondary plasticizer for PVC, and an excellent compatibilizer for PVC/vinyl acetate combinations. When used in place of DOP, Kenplast G reportedly plasticizers, thus contributing to build in plastisols as well as enhancing elongation.

*Kenflex line of resins is derived from formaldehyde condensation of aromatic hydrocarbons. These nonvolatile, very high-flash-point solids reportedly impart in-process flexibility at elevated temperatures without detracting from the finished product's properties once it has been cooled. Kenflex resins are available in a variety of solvent and compounded forms for specific uses such as CPE extrusion, compatibilization of rubbers and plastics, and enhancement of mold release of hard-to-handle materials.

The second line offered is derived from cumyl phenol and is available as either glycidylether or acetate for use as a reactive diluent and flexibilizer for epoxies, PVC, and urethanes. Higher temperature forms, such as the benzoate (Kenplast ESB), have been found useful in extrusion of PVC, reaction injection molding of PU and in processing nylons. Cumyl phenyl benzyl ether is said to be an effective processing aid for extrusion of styrenics, SAN, polysulfones and phenylene oxide-based resins, as well as a compatibilizer for elastomers in PS, nylon, polyester and ABS.

The third line is a group of dibasic aliphatic esters based on glutaric acid that are said to outperform adipates in low-temperature applications and in compatibility with highly polar materials such as acrylonitrile copolymers.

MOBAY CORP.

PLASTICS AND RUBBER DIV.

Company's Mesamoll, a plasticizer based on an alkyl sulfonic ester of a phenol, is said to have excellent compatibility with PVC, resulting in flexible vinyls with good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. According to the company, a five-year weathering study showed that Mesamoll had better property and appearance retention than a similar vinyl containing DOP. Mesamoll and Mesamoll II, a lower-volatility version, are also used in polyurethane caulk/sealant compounds where the properties of low viscosity, hydrolysis resistance, extraction resistance, and good solvency are desired.

Baymod L EVA copolymers can be used as permanent plasticizers for PVC requiring improved extraction resistance and aging properties. Baymond L trial product, KL3-2418 is a high-vinyl-acetate content resin that acts as a highly permanent flexibilizer for PVC in such applications as automotive crash pads.

Unimoll 66M is a micronized powder version of dicyclohexyl phthalate, which can be useful in improving the storage stability and fusing characteristics of low-temperature-fusing vinyl plastisols. Disflamoll phosphate esters are used to impart flame retardance and flexibility to plasticized vinyls. The products include a range of aryl, alkylaryl and alkyl esters.

MONSANTO CHEMICAL CO.

Specialty plasticizers are produced for use in PVC and other resins, paints and coatings, adhesives, etc. Among the benzyl phthalate types are Santicizer 160 (butyl benzyl), Santicizer 261 (C 7-9 alkyl benzyl), and Santicizer 278 (C 12 alkyl benzyl). All benzyl phthalates offer outstanding compatibility with a variety of resins. Santicizers 261 and 278 also have good permanence; Santicizer 278 is quite resistance to loss by volatility, extraction or migration.

Also available are adipates (DOA and linear types) and a variety of phosphate ester plasticizers.

MORFLEX INC.

Specialty plasticizers are of the citrate, adipate, trimellitate, phthalate and isophthalate types. They are used with PVC and cellulosics. Several are of low toxicity and FDA-regulated. Specific areas of use include those requiring solvent resistance, good electrical properties, and food contact.

MORTON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

SPECIALTY CHEMICALS GROUP

TP-95 is a highly compatible plasticizing agent designed to impart maximum low-temperature flexibility to elastomers, including urethane. TP-680 is a medium-viscosity, nonreactive polymeric plasticizer compatible with rubber, epoxy, polyurethane, polystyrene and ester-type vinyl plasticizers. TP-759 is a mixed ether/ester-type plasticizing agent exhibiting low volatility and retaining plasticizing action after heat aging. TP-90B is a highly compatible plasticizer designed to provide maximum low-temperature flexibility to various types of elastomers.

NEVILLE CHEMICAL CO.

Company's NP-10, NP-25, CB-4-34, X-743 and aromatic oil 745 plasticizers are all aromatic, chemically inert, and non-saponifiable. They reportedly exhibit low reactivity and resistance to alkalis, acids and moisture. NP-10, NP-25 and CB-4-34 and LX-1235 plasticizers are viscous materials with Ring and Ball softening points of 50 F, 77 F, 82 F, and 91 F, respectively, X-743 and aromatic oil 745 are dark-colored, medium-viscosity plasticizing oils.

OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP.

ELECTROCHEMICALS DIV.

Offers a variety of chlorinated paraffins.

PPG INDUSTRIES INC.

CHEMICAL GROUP

Produces triethylene glycol uses as a plasticizer for PVC and cellulosics.

PENRECO DIV.

PENNZOIL PRODUCTS CO.

Offers white mineral oil in a wide range of viscosities as a plasticizer for polystyrene. Products may also be used as internal lubricants and pigment dispersing agents in PS, PVC, and vinyl acetate.

PERMUTHANE INC.

MEMBER OF THE ICI GROUP

Offers of high-molecular-weight polymeric plasticizer KPL-10-308 of moderately high viscosity, said to have excellent resistance to extraction by detergent, oil, gasoline, and soapy water and good electrical properties.

SEEGOTT INC.

Offers several castor oil products for use in epoxy, phenolic and urethane systems.

STANCHEM

A BUSINESS UNIT OF C-I-L- INC.

Company offers Cereclor chlorinated paraffins for use as secondary plasticizers in PVC.

STEPAN CO.

INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS DEPT.

Offers a wide range of fatty acid derivatives, trademarked Kessco, usable as plasticizers. Examples are n-butylstearate, butoxyethyl steararte, and glycerol mono-oleate, all of which are compatible with PS; diethylene glycol distearate, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate, which are generally compatible with cellulose nitrate and ethyl cellulose; oleic and lauric acid esters, compatible with PVC; and PEG400 dilaurate, which may be used with PVC and PVC/vinyl acetate copolymers.

UNION CAMP CORP.

Line includes polymeric plasticizers with a wide range of molecular weights, dioctyl adipate (DOA), dioctyl and dibutyl sebacates, trimellitates and dicapryl phthalate, a product said to be similar to DOP but offering improved viscosity stability in plastisols.

UNION CARBIDE CHEMICALS

& PLASTICS CO.

Company's Solvents and Coatings Materials Div. supplies Flexol epoxy plasticizers: EPO (epoxidized soybean oil), EP-8 (octyl epoxy ester), and LOE (epoxidized linseed oil).

Company's Specialty Chemicals Div. offers Flexol 4GO, which is a secondary PVC plasticizer (glycol ester type) that imparts slow-temperature flexibility and viscosity stability to plastisols.

UNITEX CHEMICAL CORP.

Offers a broad line of benzoate esters, phthalate esters, isophalate esters, citrate esters, sebacate esters and sulfonamides, among other plasticizers. Custom blends can be produced. Company offers a versatile capability to toll-produce proprietary plasticizers and other organic chemical specialties for specific customer requirements.

VELSICOL CHEMICAL CORP.

Benzoflex benzoic acid esters include: Benzoflex 9-88 (dipropylene glycol dibenzoate), Benzoflex 50 (a blend of 9-88 and Benzoflex 2-45, diethylene glycoldibenzoate), and Benzoflex 284 (propylene glycol dibenzoate). These high-solvating plasticizers for PVC are said to provide low fusion temperatures, improved stain resistance, good stability, relatively low volatility, and good oil and solvent resistance for a monomeric plasticizer. These esters may be used in plastisols, organosols, milled and calendered products and dry blends. Grades 9-88, 50 and 2-45 are used extensively in polyvinyl acetate homopolymer and copolymer emulsion adhesives, and in acrylic and vinyl-based caulks and sealants.

Benzoflex 9-88 SG, a special grade, provides the desired degree of plasticizing for low-durometer polyurethane rolls used in the graphic arts industry. Benzoflex P-200 is low in volatility and may be used in vinyl and pheno-formaldehyde resins. It is said to increase the elasticity and tack of polyvinyl acetate adhesives. Benzoflex 400 is a propylene glycol dibenzoate for use in flexible PVC, acrylics, polyurethanes, polysulfides, and polyvinyl acetates.

Benzoflex 131 is a low-viscosity, moderate volatility plasticizer for use in plastisols, latex caulks, inks and other related areas. In plastisols, the Benzoflex 131 isodecyl benzoate is an effective solvator, efficient, and provides low-high shear viscosity.

Benzoflex 352 plasticizer is a very high-melt-point solid useful in such applications as process-aid and hot-melt adhesives.

Company also offers four solid plasticizer/resin modifiers, which are used in several applications, such as process aids in engineering plastics.

VISTA CHEMICAL CO.

Offers a 108-type linear phthalate plasticizer.

WITCO CORP.

ARGUS DIV.

Drapex plasticizers include epoxidized types and polymerics. Specifically, the epoxidized oils and esters are Drapex 4.4 (octyl epoxy tallate), Drapex 6.8 (epoxidized soybean oil), and Drapex 10.4 (epoxidized linseed oil). When used with Argus barium/cadmium stabilizers, these plasticizers synergistically improve both heat and light stability. Drapex 4.4 reportedly imparts excellent low-temperature flexibility to PVC, and its low viscosity and solvating action suit it for use in plastisols and organosols. Drapex 6.8 and 10.4 epoxies are resistant to both extraction and migration and are FDA-regulated for food-packaging use.

Among the polymeric plasticizers, Drapex P-7 is reported to have good migration resistance, high-humidity compatibility, as well as excellent dielectric strength and nonfogging characteristics. It is especially suited for electrical tape and refrigerator gaskets, wall coverings and automotive interiors. Its addition to PVC compounds is said to result in flexibility, permanence and heat stability. Company acquired Monsanto's Santicizer line of polymerics, now called Drapex line of polymerics, now called Drapex 409, 411, 412, 429 and 334-F.

Flexchlor 0010 chlorinated paraffin is reportedly an excellent secondary plasticizer for vinyl, offering flame retardancy as well.

WITCO CORP.

GOLDEN BEAR DIV.

Offers aromatic and naphthenic types of petroleum hydrocarbon oils as secondary plasticizers for vinyl compounds.

WITCO CORP.

SONNEBORN DIV.

Plasticizers offered include fully refined white mineral oils, petrolatums, and microcrystalline waxes.

White mineral oils are available in a wide range of viscosities, including customer-tailored high-viscosity, low-volatility plastic oils designed to meet demanding manufacturing requirements of polystyrene resin producers.

Products may also be used as external and internal lubricants, catalyst carriers, pigment dispersing agents and mold-release agents in PVC, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate and polyvinyl foam.