Plasticizers for Automotive Interior Trim

This paper discusses several important parameters of flexible vinyl that automotive interior trim suppliers have to meet.

One of the most important properties which the North American car manufacturers require is low volatility and a corresponding low fogging. Besides this, other properties such as low temperature flexibility, light and thermal stability and processability play a key role in the selection of a plasticizer by the trim supplier.

This work demonstrates the plasticizer effect on these parameters and provides a technique for selecting a plasticizer with the best balance of properties. Two plasticizers satisfy these requirements - a di-7,9,11-alkyl phthalate and a 100% di-iso-nonyl phthalate (N) that is based on a less branched nonanol.