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plasticizer

plasticizer

1 8.5
A substance added to plastic to make it softer and easier to shape
  • noun
  • /ˈplæstɪsɪzaɪər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plastificante
  • And in a modern incinerator, neither paper nor plastic should produce toxic emissions, though this depends on the pigments and plasticizers.
  • phthalate plasticizers
  • plasticizer market

The BPA phthalates plasticizers are added to the plastic, but they're not chemically bound to it.

Examples

  • Domestically, small quantities of menhaden fish oil are refined and become valuable components of lubricants, plasticizers, resins, and paints.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Data on ingredient composition of consumer products are difficult to obtain because reporting is not required by law, but there is some evidence that the plasticizer market is changing.

    Academic text (2014)
  • At longer exposure times, however, the experimental migration of the plasticizer to the water remained low while the theoretical values increased.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Such additives also function as plasticizers in some cases.

    Academic text (2001)
  • And the trouble with some of these plasticizers is that they have structures, structures that are similar to certain hormones.

  • Background: Phthalates are used as plasticizers in soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and in a large number of consumer products.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Of the global market of plasticizers, DiNP and DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate) were reported to represent about 32% (ECHA 2013).

    Academic text (2015)
  • The organic compounds present in the saliva were expected to affect DEHP diffusion since these compounds can be made soluble by the plasticizer, thereby accelerating the diffusion rate.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Plasticization consists of mixing a rigid plastic (thermoplastic) with a low-molecular-weight substance (the plasticizer) to obtain a flexible material (Gchter & Mller, 1993; Peen, 1967).

    Academic text (2008)
  • The vinyl used in dashboards, door panels, seat covers, and other interior parts contains plasticizers to keep the material soft and flexible.

Synonyms

softener
vsplasticizer
23 3.0

A substance added to make clothes, hair, or water softer

is focused on reducing hardness rather than adding flexibility for work
phthalate
vsplasticizer
  • Specialized
7 9.1

A chemical used to make plastic softer and more flexible

is a broader additive used across materials to increase flexibility and workability

Antonyms

hardener
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A substance added to paint or resin to make it firm

How Effective

plasticizer
  • Specialized
1 8.5
softener
23 3.0
conditioner
69 2.7
emollient
1 7.8
solvent
  • Specialized
33 4.9

Surface Forms

plasticizer singular
plasticizers plural

Morphology

plasticizer = plasticize (transparent) = plastic + ize + er

Derived from the verb 'plasticize' (plastic + -ize) with the agentive suffix '-er', a straightforward formation meaning 'a substance that plasticizes'.

Etymology

Plasticizer comes from plastic, which has a root meaning 'to shape', and the ending -izer meaning 'something that makes'. So a plasticizer is 'something that makes plastic easier to shape', which is why it is added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible.