A plasticizer is a substance that is added to a material, typically a polymer, to make it

softer and more flexible. Plasticizers work by increasing the distance between the
polymer chains, making the material less brittle and more pliable. They are commonly
added to plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is otherwise rigid and brittle,
to make it soft and pliable. This makes PVC suitable for a wide range of products, such
as shower curtains, vinyl flooring, clothing, bags, flexible plastic tubing, and electric wire
insulation/coating.

Plasticizers are also used in rubber, paints, and adhesives to improve their properties.
For example, plasticizers are added to rubber to make it more elastic and less prone to
cracking. They are added to paints to make them easier to apply and to improve their
flow properties. And they are added to adhesives to make them more flexible and less
likely to bond to the surface they are being applied to.

There are many different types of plasticizers, each with its own unique properties. The
most common type of plasticizer is a phthalate ester, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP). Other common types of plasticizers include adipates, phosphates, and
trimellitates.

The choice of plasticizer depends on the specific application. For example, a plasticizer
that is used in food packaging must be food-grade and non-toxic. A plasticizer that is
used in medical applications must be biocompatible and hypoallergenic.

Plasticizers are an important part of the plastics industry, and they play a vital role in the
production of a wide range of products. They are essential for making plastics soft,
flexible, and durable, and they are used in a variety of applications, from food packaging
to medical devices.