What is the primary purpose of incorporating plasticizers into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulations?

- The primary purpose of incorporating plasticizers into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulations is to increase flexibility at room temperature.
- PVC is naturally a rigid polymer due to its strong intermolecular forces and tightly packed structure.
- When plasticizers are added, they intercalate between the polymer chains, reducing the intermolecular forces and increasing the distance between chains.
- This results in PVC becoming more flexible and pliable without compromising its mechanical strength.

- Plasticizers do not significantly enhance the thermal stability or electrical conductivity of PVC, nor do they contribute to its biodegradability.
- Instead, their main role is to modify the physical properties to suit different applications, such as flexible tubing, cables, and flooring materials.

Key points:
- Plasticizers reduce intermolecular forces within PVC, increasing chain mobility.
- Flexibility at room temperature is greatly improved.
- This modification allows PVC to be used in applications requiring flexibility.
- Plasticizers do not enhance thermal stability, electrical conductivity, or biodegradability.

Reference: Polymer Science and Technology, Volume 2, Chapter 5, Pages 150-152