Enhancing the Performance of the PVC/Foam Composite by Choosing the Right Plasticizer

There are a wide range of compounds that can be used as plasticizers, but esters of phthalic anhydride and saturated linear alcohols are particularly effective for flexible PVC used in soft automotive interior parts. Compared to esters derived from branched alcohols, esters derived from linear alcohols provide some unique advantages to the flexible PVC/ polyurethane composite to meet the high standards of automotive interior trim.

The LINPLAST® plasticizers have proven plasticizer performance in flexible PVC formulations. The key to their excellent performance is in the linearity in the base alcohols used. These products are the highest molecular weight phthalate esters available with the highest degree of linearity. The main performance advantages of these plasticizers are their excellent fogging properties, UV degradation resistance, permanence, and short processing dry times.