General-purpose Plastics Research Articles

New dibenzoate plasticizer blends for PVC applications

Dibenzoates plasticizers are well‐established and are used in PVC applications. Chemically, these plasticizers are non‐phthalates and function well as high‐solvating. In the past, new benzoates, dibenzoate blends, and grades were developed to keep pace with formulators' needs. More recently, a new generation of dibenzoate triblend platform has been developed to offer formulators an improved high solvator to complement general purpose plasticizer performance. A basic plastisol evaluation protocol was utilized to help determine how to formulate with these new blends. In addition to the basic data that were developed, examples of performance in starting plastisol formulations are shown. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:137–142, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Oxea plans European capacity increase for DOTP; starts building work in Texas

Oxo-chemicals group Oxea is planning to increase the European capacity for its dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) plasticizer Oxsoft GPO by 50 000 tonnes/year by the fourth quarter of 2015. The company reports that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with a third party to establish joint production of DOTP. DOTP is a general-purpose plasticizer used in a wide range of applications such as construction, automotive and flooring.

Modification of PP by Using Recycled Materials

As a kind of general-purpose plastic, PP possesses a good mechanical property and excellent resistance to chemical attack. So, now, it is widely used. In this article, a kind of decorating materials used in automobile and rubber powders were used to undertake a modification of PP. Besides, mechanical property was tested and SEM,TMA,TG technology were used to investigate some of the property of composites. We drew a conclusion that the composite with a ternary system consists of PP,POE and rubber powder got the best integrated performance.

Pharmacokinetics of di-isononyl phthalate in freely moving rats by UPLC–MS/MS

Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) is a general-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride. However, this industrial chemical plasticizer used as a clouding agent has recently contaminated food and beverages that had been inspected by Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. This study develops a sensitive and specific method combining ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to investigate the pharmacokinetics of DINP in freely moving rats. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to monitor the transition of the protonated molecule m/z of 419 [M+H](+) to the product ion 149 for DINP. The analyte was analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS with C18 column (100×2.1mm, 1.7 μm) which was equilibrated and eluted with an isocratic mixture of acetonitrile-ammonium acetate water solution (90:10, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Linear calibration curves were obtained for DINP concentration ranges of 0.05-2.5 μg/mL in plasma and feces. The feces were homogenized mechanically using 50% acetonitrile as the medium. The pharmacokinetic curve demonstrates that the disposition of DINP in rat plasma was fitted well by the two-compartment model after DINP administration (10 mg/kg, i.v.). The elimination half-life of DINP was 364±146 min and 150±58 min for intravenous (10 mg/kg) and oral (100 mg/kg) administration, respectively. The pharmacokinetic data indicate that the oral bioavailability of DINP in freely moving rats was about 1.19%. The total DINP excretion up to 48 h was 13.64±3.99% in feces.

Estimates of daily di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) intake calculated from urinary biomonitoring data

Biomonitoring of chemical species in biologic media can be a valuable tool in risk assessment since it informs directly on aggregate exposures. While advances in the analytical techniques required for biomonitoring have resulted in increased sensitivity for the detection of chemical species, the detection of a chemical substance in a biological medium (such as blood, urine or breast milk) does not mean that the chemical causes or is associated with an adverse health outcome. In this paper, intake estimates for di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), a high molecular weight general purpose plasticizer, were calculated from urinary biomonitoring data representing various population segments and geographic locales. From these data, intake estimates converge on a mean that is <1μg/kg/day (95th%<5μg/kg/day). This intake estimate is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the health-based exposure guidance values (38–150μg/kg/day) which have been proposed by regulatory authorities and other authoritative bodies as safe exposure levels.

Effects of detector–source distance and detector bias voltage variations on time resolution of general purpose plastic scintillation detectors

Effects of source-detector distance and the detector bias voltage variations on time resolution of a general purpose plastic scintillation detector such as BC400 were investigated. 133Ba and 207Bi calibration sources with and without collimator were used in the present work. Optimum source-detector distance and bias voltage values were determined for the best time resolution by using leading edge timing method. Effect of the collimator usage on time resolution was also investigated.

Time resolution investigations for general purpose plastic scintillation detectors in different thicknesses

Time spectra of 90Sr, 137Cs and 207Bi radioactive sources were obtained by using a BC 400 type plastic scintillation detectors in different thicknesses. Time resolution values through the time spectra were obtained by means of leading edge and constant fraction timing methods. The obtained time resolution values from leading edge method were compared with those of constant fraction timing method.

Alpha energy resolution improvement of a general purpose plastic scintillation detector

Alpha energy spectra of 210Po and 226Ra radioactive sources were achieved by using a BC400 type plastic scintillation detector. In order to enhance the energy resolution of the detector, constant fraction timing method was used. Obtained results showed that the used timing method was successful on improving the energy resolution of the detector with the amendment of about 1 % even at the low count rates.

Finite Element Analysis of Flexural Property of Short Flax Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Recycled general-purpose plastic, polypropylene gained general acceptance because of its excellent properties. At the moment, most of experimental tests of short-natural fibers reinforced polymer composites have been concentrated on macro level, lead to un-matured of fine, micro mechanics research work. In this paper, flexural property of short flax fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites was numerical estimated using a FEM model. It has been observed that initial modulus of the composites increases with the rise in fiber volume fraction, while short fiber orientation distribution has little effect on composites; the stress-strain curves almost have no change.

A comprehensive review of intake estimates of di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) based on indirect exposure models and urinary biomonitoring data

Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) is a high molecular weight general purpose plasticizer used principally in the manufacture of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) articles. DINP metabolites can be measured in biological media such as blood and urine. However, measurement of a substance in the blood or urine does not by itself mean that the chemical causes or is associated with adverse health outcomes. This is particularly pertinent given the advances in modern analytical techniques whereby ever diminishing trace amounts of substances can be detected. Therefore, it is a scientific necessity that risk assessors understand the relationship of biomonitoring data to estimation of exposure so that appropriate comparisons can be made to the no observed adverse effects levels (NOAELs) or other points of departure from toxicological studies in animals. In this paper, estimates of daily DINP intake are calculated for various population segments based on urinary biomonitoring data and are compared to estimates of exposure based on indirect methods and to health-based exposure guidance values. In general, intake estimates converge on a mean of 1–2μg/kg/day regardless of source of exposure or population cluster; a value 2-orders of magnitude lower than health-based exposure guidance values, ranging from 120 to 290μg/kg/day, which have been established by regulatory authorities and other authoritative bodies as representing acceptable levels.

Research on Inorganic Material Modification of PVC

PVC Resin has a great deal of excellent performances. It is corrosion preventive, inflaming retarding, resistant to wear and is insulated and so on. At the same time, its price is very competitive. Therefore, PVC Resin is being widely applied in a lot of aspects, which include bars, tubular products, thin films, antiseptic materials, insulation materials as well as building materials, and so on. It is a thermoplastic plastic which is of great importance. However, PVC Resin has large brittleness; its heating stability is not good; the performances of shock resistance are low and the handling characteristics are not good. In order to further improve its performances, PVC Resin must be modified. This paper studies on the inorganic material modification of PVC. From the perspective of the industry of plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a kind of thermoplastic plastic which is of great importance. The field of application of PVC is very diverse. It can be used in multiple scopes, which include tubular products, thin films, structural sections, insulation mate-rials as well as bars and so on. As for the volume of production, it is next only to polyethylene in worldwide output of resin, ranking the second place. Polyvinyl chloride has a great amount of ex-cellent performances. For example, it is not flammable, insulated, corrosion preventive, as well as resistant to wear and so on. The most outstanding advantages of PVC are that its price is extremely competitive, and that its tensile strength as well as bending strength is larger than the ordinary gen-eral purpose plastics. However, PVC Resin is polar non crystalline polymer. The molecular of PVC Resin have very strong interactions. The material is hard and brittle, and its shock strength is low. This shortage restrains its further development as well as its application. In order to overcome this shortage of PVC resin, it should be modified so that its ductility can be improved. This is also one of the key content that is currently studied on.

Systemic toxicity of di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT) in rodents following four weeks of intravenous exposure

Background Di-2-ethylhexyl-terephtalate (DEHT) is a general purpose plasticizer and a structural isomer to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) being known for its toxicity. Despite the fact that DEHT is used in quite a number of synthetics for medical device production including equipment for intravenous administration, toxicity of DEHT has not been assessed after/during intravenous exposure. Hence we report here the results of a toxicity study in male and female rats with continuous intravenous infusion of DEHT over 4 weeks. Methods The study was done according to OECD guidelines under GLP conditions. The dose was infused per day to male and female rats over a period of 4 weeks with saline (control), middle chain triglycerides (vehicle) as well as with 38.2, 114.5 or 381.6 mg DEHT/kg. Each group ( n = 6) was closely monitored regarding survival, body weight development, food and water consumption. Moreover blood and urine samples were taken and a standardized necropsy as wall as a histological analysis was performed after the investigation period. Results DEHT had no effect on survival, body weight development, food and water consumption in the whole dose range investigated. There were no indications as to hematotoxicity or immunotoxicity. Clinical chemistry and histopathology indicated no exposure related effect on hepatic, thyroidal and reproductive functions or organs. Conclusion DEHT administered via intravenous infusion was tolerated systemically and locally without adverse effects up to and including 381.6 mg/kg/day (NOAEL = 381.6 mg/kg × day). In particular, there were no effects on reproductive tissues/organs, kidneys, liver hepatocytes and peroxisomes, which are known targets of DEHP-toxicity.

Structure and Property of Polylactide/Polyamide Blends

In order to explore a potential method for improving the toughness of polylactide (PLA), polyamide (PA) with high strength and toughness as an engineering plastic was used to prepare PLA/PA blends suitable for a wide range of applications of PLA as general-purpose plastics. The structure and properties of PLA/PA blends were studied in terms of the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. The results indicated that the blends are a partially miscible system due to the hydrogen bonding between the molecules of PA and PLA. Addition of PA reduced the PLA spherulite size in the blends, and the crystallinity of the PA phase increased with increasing PA content while it decreased for the PLA phase. The spherical particles of PA dispersed homogeneously in the PLA matrix. The fracture surface of the blends was covered with fiber-like PA phase and showed strong interfacial adhesion of the two phases which led to a remarkable increase of the elongation at break, without an obvious drop in the tensile strength, for the blends with 15–20 wt% PA.

Highly transparent thermoplastic elastomer from isotactic polypropylene and styrene/ethylene‐butylene/styrene triblock copolymer: Structure‐property correlations

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) is one of the most useful general purpose plastics. However, the poor transparency and brittleness of PP restricts its applications in the field of medical and personal care where silicone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are presently used. This work concentrates on developing highly transparent elastomeric PP blends and also thermoplastic elastomer by blending isotactic polypropylene (I‐PP) with styrene/ethylene‐butylene/styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer. PP/SEBS blend derived from high melt flow index (MFI) PP and high MFI SEBS exhibit remarkable transparency (haze value as low as 6%) along with good percentage of elongation and processability. The reduction in difference of refractive index (RI) between PP and SEBS has been observed by blending SEBS with PP. The wide angle X‐ray diffraction studies show that there is significant reduction in the percentage crystallinity of PP by the addition of SEBS block copolymer. Temperature‐dependent polarized light microscopy studies reveal the reduction in spherulites size by the addition of SEBS block copolymer. Transmission electron micrographs show that the SEBS polymer forms a fine lamellar structure throughout the PP matrix with phase inversion at higher SEBS concentration. Development of phase morphology, crystalline morphology, and crystallinity in different blends has been analyzed and microstructure‐haze correlations have been developed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites

In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites with different contents of MWCNTs were successfully prepared by solution compounding, a method which could make them good competitors for commodity materials such as general purpose plastics, while allowing them to keep their complete biodegradability. For the homogeneous dispersion of the MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, oxygen-containing groups were introduced on their surface. The mechanical properties of the PCL/MWCNT composites were effectively increased due to the incorporation of the MWCNTs. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, in order to obtain information on the dispersion of the MWCNTs in the polymeric matrix. In the case of the composites containing 2.0 wt% of MWCNTs in their matrix, the strength and modulus of the composites were increased by 18.4% and 178.4%, respectively. In addition, the dispersion of the MWCNTs in the PCL matrix resulted in a substantial decrease in the electrical resistivity of the composites as the MWCNT loading was increased from 0 to 2.0 wt%.

Preparation and Characterization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composites via In Situ Polymerization

Poly(ε-caprolactone)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PCL/MWCNT) composites with different MWCNT contents were successfully prepared by in situ bulk polymerization, which could make them good competitors for commodity materials such as general purpose plastics, while allowing them to completely retain their biodegradability. The mechanical properties of the PCL/MWCNT composites were effectively increased due to the incorporation of the MWCNTs. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, in order to obtain information on the dispersion of the MWCNTs in the polymeric matrix. In the case where 0.5 wt% of MWCNTs were dispersed in the matrix, the strength and modulus of the composite increased by 23% and 71%, respectively. In addition, the dispersion of the MWCNTs in the PCL matrix resulted in a substantial decrease in the electrical resistivity of the composites being observed as the MWCNTs loading was increased from 0 wt% to 0.5 wt%.

Daily intake of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) by German children – A comparison of two estimation models based on urinary DEHP metabolite levels

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a general-purpose plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and has become a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. It is suspected to be an endocrine disrupting/modulating substance in humans. Children are of special concern due to their developmental state. In our study we estimated the daily DEHP intake of 239 children aged 2–14 years by extrapolating from their urinary levels of the DEHP metabolites mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate (5oxo-MEHP) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP). We applied two calculation models based upon the volume and the creatinine-related urinary metabolite concentrations. Applying the volume- or the creatinine-based calculation model we determined a median daily DEHP intake of 7.8 or 4.3 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day and a 95th percentile of 25.2 or 15.2 μg/kg bw/day. Three children (1%) exceeded the value of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of the European Food Safety Authority of 50 μg/kg bw/day, while 7.5% or 3% (depending on the calculation model) exceeded the reference dose (RfD) of 20 μg/kg bw/day of the US Environmental Protection Agency. In general, DEHP exposure was decreasing with increasing age and boys had higher exposures than girls. Our findings suggest that the majority of the children in the general population is exposed to quantities of DEHP below the TDI and the RfD. However, many children scoop out the preventive limit values to a considerable degree and in individual cases we observed substantial transgressions. Younger children seem to be more severely burdened, which may be due to a higher food consumption related to their bw, mouthing behaviour and/or playing near the ground.

Preparation of Biodegradable Nanocomposites by Incorporation of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Polymeric carbon nanotube composites constitute one of the most promising alternatives to conventional filled polymers. The dispersion of nanometer-sized carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix markedly improves its physical properties. This approach can also be applied to biodegradable synthetic aliphatic polyesters such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), which has been receiving an increasing amount of attention due to environmental concerns. In this study, the mechanical properties of PLLA were enhanced by the incorporation of a small amount of carbon nanotubes (0.8 wt%) in the solution state, which could make this material a good competitor for commodity materials such as general purpose plastics, while allowing it to retain its biodegradability. In order to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of the carbon nanotubes in the matrix, oxygen-containing groups were introduced on the surface of the MWNTs. The good dispersion of the nanotubes in the PLLA matrix observed by scanning electron microscopy was attributed to the fact that the PLLA was compatible with the functionalized MWNTs during the compounding process. The electrical conductivity of the composites was also investigated.

Catabolism of Mesamoll, a technical formulation of alkylsulfonic acid phenyl esters, by two strains of Rhodococcus rhodochrous

The bacterial catabolism of a technical formulation of alkylsulfonic acid phenyl esters employed as a general purpose plasticizer, Mesamoll, was elucidated. Two strains of the genus Rhodococcus were found able to utilize this substrate mixture as sole source of carbon and energy. Growth experiments along with enzymatic measurements indicated that both strains utilized the phenol that was released from the corresponding alkylsulfonic acid phenyl ester—probably by enzymatic hydrolysis catalyzed by esterases—via the ortho-pathway. By GC/MS analysis it was demonstrated that those alkyl chain homologues with substituents present at or close to the end of the aliphatic backbone (i.e., 2-tetradecylsulfonic acid phenyl ester) are degraded, while those with substituents close to the center of the alkyl chain (i.e., 7-tetradecylsulfonic acid phenyl ester) are rather persistent.

C. P. Hall launches new general-purpose plasticizer

A simple and convenient strategy for achieving higher capacities in organic electrode materials used in pouch-cell format is presented here. By calendaring of the electrodes, the resulting electrode porosity can be tailored. It is shown for carboxylate electrodes of dilithium benzenediacrylate that a 30% porosity constitutes the best compromise between electronic wiring, particle contact and electrolyte infiltration into the electrodes, displaying higher capacities than in Swagelock cells.