Results of Studies on the Plasticizer Migration from Flexible PVC into Thermoplastics.

The usefulness of an external plasticizer depends chiefly on whether or not the mechanico-thermal behavior of the macromolecular material can be controlled, as desired, by means of the plasticizer addition; but a special role is also played by such parameters as volatility, extractability and migration. This paper is concerned with the migration of plasticizers and their corrosive effect on other plastics (thermoplastics). The volatility of the plasticizer from the plastics material and its migration are known to depend not only on the intermolecular forces between plasticizer and macromolecule but also on the forces between plasticizer and plasticizer molecule as well as on the forces between the individual macromolecules. The present report first deals with the volatility and extractability of plasticizers. Other subjects discussed: execution of migration tests; influence of the type and addition of plasticizer; affinity of the contacting materials and storage temperature; corrosion caused by plasticizers. Recommendations for plasticizer selection are given. Extensive test data are tabulated.