Non-phthalate general-purpose plasticizer offers flame retardant properties

01-Apr-16

An increasing number of flexible PVC producers and users are taking advantage of the excellent processability and performance characteristics of Pevalen™, the non-phthalate general-purpose plasticizer from Perstorp for close-to-consumer applications. Researchers at Perstorp recently studied various formulations using Pevalen™ and a competitive plasticizer, DINP. When they compared formulations with the same hardness, they found that formulations based on Pevalen™ had superior performance in smoke release. They also found that the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of formulations containing Pevalen™ and different types of flame retardants, most notably antimony oxide, were also better than formulations containing DINP, possibly due to synergies between the plasticizer and the flame retardant. Particularly impressive are the gelation characteristics. Because it gels faster at any given temperature compared to other plasticizers, Pevalen™ enables production speeds to be increased and/or energy consumption to be reduced. Processors also benefit from its low viscosity and low volatility. Together, these characteristics provide plastisol producers with increased flexibility in production, better process economics, and improved environmental profiles. “The results on fire properties are only preliminary, and we need to deepen our investigations before we make any categorical claims,” says Dr. David Bray, Product Manager Plasticizers, at Perstorp. “But we are optimistic that further research will confirm what we have already seen. The findings are especially important, given that many of the applications for PVC plastisols using Pevalen™, such as wall coverings, flooring, cables and coated fabrics, require good flame resistance.” Pevalen™ already often provides these products with improved durability. Its UV resistance is excellent and it does not contribute to any yellowing. Its fully non-aromatic structure is already appreciated in numerous close-to-consumer applications.