Technical tip

Eastman non-phthalate plasticizers

for waterborne adhesives
Introduction In vinyl acetate homopolymer
Creating much-needed elasticity, plasticizers improve the
formulations (PVAc)
performance of adhesives. In waterborne adhesives, DIBP has The following graphs demonstrate that our non-phthalate
been an industry standard, however DIBP has been classified plasticizers have a comparable or better performance than DIBP.
as an SVHC (substance of very high concern) under REACH.
Changing regulations and consumer preferences now demand  enzoflex 2088 provides efficient Tg suppression, particularly at
•B
that more non-phthalate plasticizers be used in consumer higher addition levels, for better low-temperature properties.
products. Eastman Chemical Company has a broad portfolio •B
 enzoflex 50 provides significant viscosity increase, particularly
of non-phthalate plasticizers. at higher addition levels.

Presented here are Benzoflex™ 2088 plasticizer, Benzoflex™ • E astman TXIB provides efficient Tg suppression at lower
50 plasticizer, Eastman TXIB™ formulation additive, and Eastman (<10% on dry polymer content) addition levels for better
Effusion™ plasticizer, which meet all the concerns around non- low-temperature properties combined with a large viscosity
phthalate demand and have the following advantages: increase. We generally only recommend using Eastman TXIB
at these lower addition levels, as in some vinyl acetate
• Suitable for most adhesive systems, providing improved homopolymers, incompatibility is evident at levels above
wet tack, set times, and open times 10% on dry polymer.
• Compatible with PVAc and VAE emulsions • Eastman Effusion provides efficient Tg suppression for better
• Reliability of supply low-temperature properties at both high and low addition levels.

• Eastman TXIB is highly compatible with Benzoflex™ plasticizers It is possible to use the plasticizers alone or in combination
and Eastman Effusion. to optimize the desired Tg suppression and viscosity increase.
You should determine the correct Eastman plasticizer level
for your specific formulation.
Effect of plasticizer on PVAc
Benzoflex Benzoflex Eastman Eastman
2088 50 TXIB Effusion DIBP
90 0

80
–5
70
Viscosity change (%)

–10
60
Tg change (°C)

50 –15

40 –20
30
–25
20
–30
10

0 –35
Benzoflex Benzoflex Eastman Eastman DIBP
2088 50 TXIB Effusion

5% plasticizer content in plasticized PVAc emulsion mixture

10% plasticizer content in plasticized PVAc emulsion mixture
In vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer Other applications
formulations (VAE) Benzoflex 2088 improves adhesion in acrylic latex caulks and
The following graphs demonstrate that our non-phthalate may also be used in pressure sensitive acrylics and the A side
plasticizers have a comparable or better performance than DIBP. of 2K polysulfide sealants and polyurethane sealants. In PVC,
it serves as a fast fuser, delivering low processing temperatures
 enzoflex™ 2088 plasticizer and Benzoflex™ 50 plasticizer provide
•B and low volatility, which makes it a good plasticizer for interior
efficient Tg suppression, particularly at lower addition levels, for applications, such as flooring. Eastman TXIB is completely
better low-temperature properties. The viscosity increase for compatible with PVC in all proportions and is usually blended
both products is sufficient for most water-based applications. with general-purpose plasticizers such as Eastman 168™
• E astman TXIB™ formulation additive and Eastman Effusion™ non-phthalate plasticizer. Eastman TXIB also serves as a
plasticizer provide efficient Tg suppression for better low- plasticizer in nail polish and industrial coatings. Eastman Effusion
temperature properties combined with a large viscosity increase. is also a high-solvating plasticizer, which imparts lower plastisol
viscosity for PVC plastisols. Eastman TXIB, Eastman Effusion,
As in PVAc adhesives, it is possible to optimize your formulation. and Benzoflex 50 are all efficient plasticizers in acrylic caulk
By creating blends of Benzoflex 2088 and Benzoflex 50 with formulations.
Eastman TXIB and Eastman Effusion, the desired balance of
viscosity and Tg suppression can be achieved.

Effect of plasticizer on VAE

Benzoflex Benzoflex Eastman Eastman
2088 50 TXIB Effusion DIBP
700 0

600
–5
500
Viscosity change (%)

Tg change (°C)

–10
400

300
–15

200
–20
100

0 –25
Benzoflex Benzoflex Eastman Eastman DIBP
2088 50 TXIB Effusion

5% plasticizer content in plasticized VAE emulsion mixture

10% plasticizer content in plasticized VAE emulsion mixture

To find out more about the secure supply and efficiency for
Benzoflex 2088, Benzoflex 50, Eastman TXIB, and Eastman
Effusion, contact your Eastman representative today.
Regulatory status in food contact application
Product regulatory information sheets for Benzoflex 2088, Benzoflex 50,
Eastman TXIB, and Eastman Effusion are available on request. Contact Eastman
at 800-EASTMAN or visit www.EastmanPlasticizers.com for more information.

North America Region European Union – (EU) No. 10/2011*

Benzoflex™ 2088 Lawful for use in certain food contact applications Not listed
plasticizer

Benzoflex™ 50 Lawful for use in certain food contact applications Not listed
plasticizer

Eastman Effusion™ Lawful as a plasticizer in polymers for use: (1) in adhesives, Not listed
plasticizer (2) in pressure sensitive adhesives, and (3) as a coating or
component of paper or paperboard intended for use in contact
with dry foods with no free surface fat or oil

Eastman TXIB™ Lawful for use in certain food contact applications Lawful for use in certain food contact applications
formulation additive

*Regulation 10/2011 refers to food contact applications in plastics.

Typical properties

Benzoflex 2088 Benzoflex 50 Eastman Effusion Eastman TXIB DIBP

Specific gravity @ 20°C 1.16 1.15 1.045 0.945 1.038

Surface tension @ 25°C, dynes/cm 44 43 34 27.5 33

Boiling point @ 760 mm Hg, ºC 356 370 337 281 320

Freezing point, ºC <16* <16* 16 –70 –37

Viscosity, Brookfield @ 25°C, mPa•s 71 78 16 5 36

* The plasticizer has the possibility to solidify at 16°C, however, they supercool. The melting point is 16°C. The pour point is <–21°C. Experience indicates that
Benzoflex 50 remains liquid down to 0°C.
Eastman Chemical Company
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Telephone:
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Commercial Company, Ltd. Jingan Branch
1206, CITIC Square Although the information and recommendations set forth herein are presented
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Telephone: (86) 21 6120-8700 own determination of their suitability and completeness for your own use,
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your employees and purchasers of your products. Nothing contained herein
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OTHER NATURE ARE MADE HEREUNDER WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION
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WAIVES ANY OF THE SELLER’S CONDITIONS OF SALE.
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manufacturers should be observed.

© 2014 Eastman Chemical Company. Eastman, Benzoflex, Eastman 168, Effusion,

www.eastman.com and TXIB are trademarks of Eastman Chemical Company.

TT-140A 1/14