Plasticization
Plasticizers are added to plastics to increase the plasticity or fluidity of a polymer. Plasticizers are also added to make formulations softer, more flexible, less brittle, more elastic and to reduce the melting point and melt viscosity of the polymer. Plasticizers are particularly useful in PVC, but can be used in other polymers such as synthetic rubbers, synthetic rubber derivatives and other polar polymers such as polystyrene and ABS.
Cargill's plasticizers are made without phthalates, terephthalates or other derivatives; and with up to 100% bio-based carbon* to deliver a range of solutions that are specifically formulated with safety and environmental factors in mind.
Explore our products
Syncroflex™ plasticizers
The Syncroflex range of specialty plasticizers are recommended in challenging applications where high performance is needed. The range includes both monomeric and polymeric plasticizers to enable customers to choose the optimum solution based on their requirements.
Benefits of this range include low temperature performance, low viscosity, low extractability and low volatility.
Vikoflex™ plasticizers
Cargill's bio-based Vikoflex plasticizers provide unique characteristics to PVC products, enhancing performance at a greater range. Vikoflex plasticizers act as a perfect option for customized applications.
Choosing a bio-based alternative, like Vikoflex plasticizers, can help achieve sustainability goals and improve plasticization, stabilization and acid scavenging. A higher oxirane content paired with a lower viscosity provides increased heat stability of products that use Vikoflex plasticizers. Additionally, Vikoflex plasticizers can help PVC products perform and stay flexible at lower temperatures.
Applications
Cables
Cables
Plasticizers are required in wire and cable insulation and jacketing applications to provide high performance flexibility in this challenging application. Plasticizers need to provide benefits while meeting the demanding requirements of the application such as high temperature performance. Cargill's range of bio-based and specialty plasticizers have been shown to perform in these applications, bringing high processability and efficiency benefits.
Coated fabrics
Coated fabrics
To have coated fabric and tarps that stand up to the elements and wear and tear, you need innovative chemistry like Cargill plasticizers. Coated fabric is used to make tough surfaces like raincoats and car seats. Coated fabric is also used to create surfaces, like tarps, that are subject to harsh elements like heat, cold and dirt.
Cargill plasticizers for coated fabrics help you maintain vibrant colors even when cold, heat, rain and wind are factors.
Additionally, our plasticizers are formulated without phthalates for a more environmentally responsible bio-based plasticizer compared to traditional plasticizers.
Cargill is powered by world-class R&D and plasticizer chemists. We can help you define and design a plasticizer formulation that meets your needs.
Coatings
Coatings
Cargill plasticizers make the coating film more flexible, helping to improve toughness and flexibility to minimize film cracking.
Custom applications
Custom applications
Cargill plasticizers provide an effective, bio-based alternative to phthalates and other additives. These renewable materials can be used in applications such as plasticization, stabilization, acid scavenging and more.
Cargill plasticizer formulas bring benefits ranging from high oxirane content, lower viscosity, and increased heat stability qualities to finished products.
Additionally, Cargill plasticizers can help custom PVC applications stay flexible and maintain performance at lower temperatures.
Cargill is powered by world-class R&D and plasticizer chemists. We can help you design a plasticizer formulations that meets your needs.
Flooring
Flooring
Plasticizers are required in many types of flooring materials, such as vinyl materials, to impart flexibility and avoid cracking. Our range of bio-based and specialty solutions can provide potential cost savings and performance benefits compared with petrochemical alternatives. Cargill's plasticizers have been shown to bring higher efficiency, faster processing and better compatibility for PVC and other polymers when compared to phthalate-based options.
Sheet and film
Sheet and film
Cargill's plasticizers provide components with the potential to deliver high-performance sheet and film applications. If you're looking for signage, thermoforming, and pipe wrap, our innovative plasticizer is formulated without phthalates.
Cargill plasticizers are intended to be versatile with weatherability and impact resistance for various film and sheet applications. Our team of experts will work with you to assess your film and sheet application project needs. We can take a custom approach and take it from the lab to the real world.
Connect with Cargill
Whether you have questions that need answers or problems that need solving, our team of knowledgeable plasticizer experts are ready to assist you with your formulation needs. Let's talk about your project.