There are several theories to explain plasticization; however, the main point in all of these is that plasticizers reduce polymer-to-polymer chain attractions and provide greater mobility to the polymeric chains.
The degree of plasticization is largely dependent on the plasticizer's chemical structure, including chemical composition, molecular weight and functional groups.
Plasticizers that have low molecular weight and a small number of polar groups generally provide a higher degree of flexibility and plasticization. Unfortunately, low molecular weight also corresponds to a high degree of migration and volatilization problems that could be associated with health or safety risks.
Almost all types of polymers can be plasticized. However, the plasticizer must be compatible with the base polymer in a formulation to function efficiently.
