Concept:
Plasticizers are low-molecular-weight non-volatile substances added to polymers (like rubber or PVC) to modify their physical properties.
Step 1: Mechanism of Plasticizers.
Plasticizer molecules get between the polymer chains, increasing the free volume and reducing the intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces) between the chains. This allows the chains to slide over each other more easily.
Step 2: Identify the resulting improvements.
By making the polymer "softer" and more flexible at lower temperatures, plasticizers:
• Lower the glass transition temperature (\(T_g\)).
• Increase flexibility and extensibility.
• Significantly improve processibility by reducing the viscosity of the melt, making it easier to extrude or mold.
They actually decrease hardness and modulus.