**4.1 Shoe soles**

Shoe soles are just one example for various soft-PVC applications ISP was asked to come up with alternative formulations. Following two formulations will be presented here:


As a substitute for the DINP/CP-system (with Shore A 53) we could offer a Flexidone/ESO system with 80 phr ESO and 20 phr Flexidone 300 showing the same softness (Shore A 50) and lower processing temperature even with a lower plasticizer content and an increased amount of CaCO3 (see Table 1).

Flexidone™ – A New Class of Innovative PVC Plasticizers 17

Fig. 18. Gelling curves of PVC plastisols (50 phr plasticizer) with various mixtures of

It could be shown, that Flexidone's are very efficient PVC plasticizers. They are up to 50% more efficient than standard plasticizer. Since they improve a lot of mechanical and processing properties in mixed plasticizer systems, cost effective plasticizer systems with superior properties could be presented. In any case the presence of Flexidone in the

better compatibility ( higher transparency and homogeneity as well as more fillers

Therefore the Flexidone family of plasticizers represents breakthrough technology in "cold flex" performance of plastics. Depending on the application, it can offer a great deal more. Flexidone plasticizers expand the options in PVC formulation, manufacturing and endproduct design. This flexibility lets re-imagine the potential of demanding applications and

Vestinol 9 and Flexidone100, 300, DBP and BBP.

 lower gelling temperatures ( energy saving) faster gelling ( higher production rates)

and use of less compatible materials)

reconfigure processing for unprecedented efficiencies.

lower plasticizer use ( easier processing and less migration)

better cold flexibility ( more durable products at low temperatures)

**5. Conclusion** 

plasticizer system results in


Table 1. Formulation and Shore A for soft-PVC shoe soles containing Cl-paraffin.

In case of the DOA system the aim was to improve the softness from Shore A 60 to 56, at the same time increasing of the compatibility/proccessability of DOA and improving the clarity. The target could be achieved by replacing 20 phr DOA with the same amount of Flexidone 300 (see Table 2).


Table 2. Formulations and Shore A for soft-PVC shoe soles with reduced Hardness.

These two examples show what a powerful tool Flexidone is in solving a lot of practical processing and/or performance problems of flexible PVC formulators. An extensive set of experimental data is available to help finding solutions to meet customers' needs.

#### **4.2 Avoiding use of critical plasticizers**

In studies of rodents exposed to certain phthalates, high doses have been shown to change hormone levels and cause birth defects (National report, 2009). Therefore in the U.S. children's toy or child care article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of DEHP, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), or BBP (butylbenzyl phthalate) are illegal (Congress, 2007). In plastisol applications DBP and BBP are widely used as fast-fusing plasticizers in DINP. As figure 18 proves, Flexidone 100 and 300 can easily replace fast-fusers with unfavourable ESH profile.

Fig. 18. Gelling curves of PVC plastisols (50 phr plasticizer) with various mixtures of Vestinol 9 and Flexidone100, 300, DBP and BBP.
