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QUESTIONS ABOUT PLASTICIZERS? Visit the Additives Zone. exceptional expertise in helping them develop the right formula- tion. The key to making a good material decision is having suffi- cient data to thoroughly evaluate the product." Napiany and others note that the most commercially impor- tant ortho-phthalates have extensive toxicology data and have been subjected to a number of global assessments in North America and Europe. It is essential that alternative plasticizers, including biobased products, have the same type of extensive data to support their safe use as replacements. TEREPHTHALIC ESTER FOR G-P USES Eastman's latest offering is the new VersaMax portfolio of gen- eral-purpose non-phthalate plasticizers, based on a proprietary terephthalic ester. VersaMax and VersaMax Plus, designed to meet different needs, both boast consistent and optimal perfor- mance compared with DEHP and DINP, making switching to non-phthalate alternatives easier for formulators. For dryblends and plastisols, VersaMax Plus is said to provide improved dry times, better efficiency, and a broader formulation window compared with ortho-phthalates or other non-phthalate options such as Hexamoll DINCH. By providing comparable mechan- ical properties and improved processing parameters, VersaMax Plus is said to be an ideal replacement for DINCH and DINP. For dry-blend compounders, VersaMax is said to offer improved dry times relative to other plasticizers, including DINCH, plus enhanced compatibility in PVC formulations, and high efficiency, requiring reduced amounts of plasticizers. Faster fusion is also claimed. It has demonstrated performance consistent with DEHP across a variety of Shore A hardness levels while outperforming DINP. BIOBASED PLASTICIZERS At NPE2015, Arkema launched the Vikoplast soy-based plasti- cizers for consumer and industrial applications as direct replacements for phthalates. They reportedly perform similarly in terms of physical properties, with one key difference: The same level of flexibility and performance can be achieved by using 20-30% less Vikoplast, according to Arkema. The soy- based plasticizers also have a lower solvation temperature, which reduces energy consumption. Vikoplast is derived from vegetable oils, which are fairly comparable in cost to petrochemicals, but their higher efficiency in use enables them to be competitive in PVC compounds. The company continues to develop and add to the Vikoplast range in order to meet the needs of this still new and emerging opportunity. According to Vertellus' Adur, the company is seeing an increased interest in biobased plasticizers as most users are expecting bans or regulations on use of phthalates, in addition to growing consumer appetite for "natural" biobased materials. In PVC compounds, Vertellus's Citroflex citric-acid-based plasti- cizers reportedly provide value through the superior mechanical properties they bring at lower dosages in certain applications. Citroflex reportedly has broader regulatory approvals in medical applications than other biobased plasticizers used in PVC and biopolymer compounds. There are six Citroflex grades in the company's portfolio. They are said to be non-toxic and rapidly biodegradable; they boast low volatility to reduce leaching and superior tensile strength and elon- gation vs. DEHP. Target applica- tions include PVC and PVDC food packaging, medical bags and tubes, toys, films, wire/cable, roofing membranex, and tarpaulins. POLYOLESTER FOR G-P USE Perstorp's newest plasticizer intro- duction is Pevalen, a non- phthalate family launched in late 2013. Pevalen is a polyolester plasticizer that has four chains attached to a penta core—structur- ally more similar to citrates than phthalates, which have two chains attached to a central phthalate core, according to Perstorp's Anders Magnusson, technical market development manager. This general-purpose non-phthalate boasts high efficiency and requires less plasticizer in most formulations. Low migration and volatility, along with excellent UV stability, are claimed. It is also said to blend faster and easier with PVC than most other plasti- cizers, which reduces processing time. Perstorp is seeking food- contact approvals. In addition to flooring and wall coverings, the company has targeted toys like jumping balls, artificial leather, and wire and cable, where there is interest in non-phthalates for applications such as consumer computer cables. While similar in performance, most of the alter- natives need some reformulation. Vertellus' Citroflex plasticizers are said to show superior performance in wire and cable insulation, roofing membranes, and tarpaulins. Wire and cable used in toys and consumer computers are particular targets for phthalate replacement. @plastechmag 45 Plastics Technology Pla s ticizers