Benzoflex™ Plasticizer for Polyurethane Applications
Polyurethane (also known as urethane) are polymers that can be designed to be very rigid to very flexible depending on the application. Flexible polyurethanes can be used in sealant, automotive, 3D printing, aerospace, and other applications. Due to their polymer chemistry composition, polyurethanes often require a plasticizer additive to help the maker reach the desired end product. Lowering the intermolecular tensions between polymer chains can increase the flexibility, toughness, and elongation of polyurethane. Eastman plasticizers Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG and Benzoflex™ 352 excel in improving performance in polyurethane and other polymer systems as they interact with the polymer matrix.
Benzoflex™ 352
Benzoflex™ 352 is a cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) dibenzoate plasticizer commonly used in a variety of hot-melt adhesive applications, based on a variety of polymer bases. Due to its high solvating power, Benzoflex™ 352 is particularly useful in applications where a solid plasticizer is needed to balance the properties of open time, set time, and adhesion dissolve. It can also improve the performance by speeding the crystallization tendency of the polymer during cooling.
By incorporating Benzoflex™ 352 into urethane hot-melt adhesives, manufacturers can achieve improved flow, better adhesion performance, increased flexibility, enhanced low-temperature properties, and compatibility. In hot-melt adhesives, Benzoflex™ 352 can improve tackiness and adhesion as well as provide flexibility and low temperature. These performance benefits contribute to the overall quality and reliability of the adhesive, making it suitable for a range of bonding applications, such as RV manufacturing, automotive, boats, carpeting, cloth, laminate panels, bookbinding, and construction.
Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG
Eastman Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG is recommended as a plasticizer for hot-cast polyurethane applications. It also finds values in a variety of applications, such as adhesives, coatings, and sealants. Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG is a specialty grade of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate high-solvating plasticizer compatible enough to be a sole or primary plasticizer in many systems. It is a medium–molecular weight, non-phthalate benzoate ester that offers excellent efficiency, enhanced durability, low volatility, low migration, and good compatibility.
When used in polyurethane, Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG can help reduce the hardness of the material, improving flexibility and impact resistance. Also, because of its compatibility in cast urethane systems, this grade allows for use at high levels to achieve durometer readings ranging as low as 20–25 shore A hardness. It can also enhance the adhesion of polyurethane to substrates such as metal, plastic, and wood.
Additionally, Benzoflex™ 9-88 SG can improve the low-temperature properties of polyurethane, making it more suitable for outdoor and cold-weather applications. Furthermore, it offers improved properties over the standard grade, including better compatibility with both polyether and polyester based backbones, lower volatility, and improved efficiency.
If you require non-phthalate plasticizers or a reliable source, please talk to one of our technical specialists today.
