Plasticizers in the context of "Bioplastics"

Plasticizers in the context of "Bioplastics"

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⭐ Core Definition: Plasticizers

A plasticizer (UK: plasticiser) is a substance that is added to a material to make it softer and more flexible, to increase its plasticity, to decrease its viscosity, and/or to decrease friction during its handling in manufacture.

Plasticizers are commonly added to polymers and plastics such as PVC, either to facilitate the handling of the raw material during fabrication, or to meet the demands of the end product's application. Plasticizers are especially key to the usability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the third most widely used plastic. In the absence of plasticizers, PVC is hard and brittle; with plasticizers, it is suitable for products such as vinyl siding, roofing, vinyl flooring, rain gutters, plumbing, and electric wire insulation/coating.

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👉 Plasticizers in the context of Bioplastics

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources. Historically, bioplastics were made from natural polymeric materials like shellac or cellulose with the addition of plasticizers to manipulate its properties. Since the end of the 19th century they have been increasingly superseded by fossil-fuel plastics derived from petroleum or natural gas (fossilized biomass is not considered to be renewable in reasonable short time). Today, in the context of bioeconomy and the circular economy, bioplastics are gaining interest again. Conventional petro-based polymers are increasingly blended with bioplastics to manufacture "bio-attributed" or "mass-balanced" plastic products—so the difference between bio- and other plastics might be difficult to define.

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