Performance characteristics
Physical properties Appearance and state: Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is a colorless, transparent, oily liquid. This liquid state allows it to be easily dispersed evenly when mixed with other materials.
Solubility: BBP has good solubility and is miscible with a variety of organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, acetone, etc. When mixed with polymers, this solubility helps it penetrate between polymer molecular chains, thereby playing a plasticizing role. It has a low solubility in water because its molecular structure is mainly composed of hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains and benzene rings, which have strong non-polarity.
Density and volatility: Its density is usually between 1.111 – 1.123g/cm³, which is heavier than water. Low volatility allows it to remain inside the material within a certain temperature and time range in the application process of plastic products, and continue to exert its performance.
Chemical performance stability: BBP is relatively stable under general chemical conditions. However, under strong acid and strong alkali conditions, hydrolysis reactions will occur because the ester bonds in its molecules are easily attacked. For example, in an alkaline environment, the ester bond breaks to generate corresponding salts and alcohols. This hydrolysis reaction will cause its plasticizing properties to decrease.
Reactivity: The benzene ring structure in the BBP molecule can undergo some typical benzene ring substitution reactions, such as halogenation and nitration. However, these reactions usually do not occur in its conventional application as a plasticizer. Its main chemical activity is still reflected in the ester bond, which is used for possible esterification or transesterification reactions with other compounds.
Mechanical properties Plasticizing effect: BBP is a highly efficient plasticizer. When added to polymers (such as polyvinyl chloride PVC), it can be inserted between polymer molecular chains, increase the distance between molecular chains, and reduce the force between molecular chains, thereby significantly improving the flexibility, elasticity and tensile properties of polymer materials. For example, PVC materials with an appropriate amount of BBP can be easily bent and stretched without breaking.
Application areas
Plastic products industry PVC products: most widely used in polyvinyl chloride materials. For example, when manufacturing PVC pipes, BBP can make the pipes have good flexibility and impact resistance, while maintaining a certain strength, which is suitable for drainage and water supply pipes in the construction field. In the manufacture of PVC wire and cable sheaths, BBP can improve the softness and weather resistance of the sheath material and protect the internal wires from the external environment.
Plastic film: used to make agricultural film, packaging film, etc. In agricultural film, it can make the film softer and more durable, can better cover the farmland, and has certain anti-aging properties, extending the service life of the film. In terms of packaging film, BBP can give the film good flexibility and stretchability, which is convenient for packaging items of various shapes.
Rubber industry: BBP can also be used for plasticization of rubber products, such as in some synthetic rubber made of automobile tires, conveyor belts and other products, it can improve the flexibility and wear resistance of rubber, improve the processing performance and physical properties of rubber products.
Coatings and adhesives: In coatings, BBP can be used as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility and adhesion of coatings. For example, in some wood coatings, adding BBP can make the coating adhere better to the wood surface, and when the wood expands or contracts, the coating layer will not easily peel off, and it can also maintain a certain elasticity. In terms of adhesives, it can improve the flexibility and viscosity of adhesives, allowing adhesives to better bond different materials.
Applications
Direct mixing method: When manufacturing plastic products, BBP is usually mixed directly with polymer (such as PVC) powder or granules. Under heating and stirring conditions, BBP will gradually penetrate between polymer molecular chains. For example, in a twin-screw extruder, PVC granules and BBP are fully mixed under high temperature (generally 160-190°C) and the stirring and shearing action of the screw, and then extruded through a mold to form various PVC products.
Solution addition method: For some coatings and adhesive applications, BBP can be dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent first, and then the solution is added to the coating or adhesive formula. This method ensures that BBP is evenly dispersed in the system and better exerts its plasticizing effect. For example, when preparing a solvent-based adhesive, BBP is dissolved in acetone, and then the solution is evenly mixed with the main component of the adhesive (such as rubber latex or resin solution), and after a proper drying or curing process, an adhesive with good flexibility is prepared.
