Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) Characteristics and Applications

Main features

High plasticizing efficiency

Excellent compatibility with PVC and other polymer materials, significantly improving the flexibility, ductility and processing performance of plastics.

Low volatility and stability

High boiling point (about 386°C), low volatility, good heat resistance, suitable for high temperature processing environment.

Excellent cold resistance

The material remains soft at low temperatures, making it suitable for products used in cold regions.

Good electrical insulation

Commonly used in cables, wires, and other areas that require insulating properties.

Low cost and easy processing

High cost performance and wide process adaptability, it is the mainstream choice of traditional plasticizers.

Main application areas

PVC products

Cables/wires: to improve insulation and flexibility.

Film/artificial leather: used in packaging materials, clothing and furniture surfaces.

Flooring/Wallpaper: Enhance abrasion resistance and soft touch.

Medical devices: such as blood bags, infusion tubes (gradually replaced in recent years due to safety issues).

Rubber Industry

Improvement of rubber processing fluidity and elasticity of finished products.

Coatings and Adhesives

As a solvent or film-forming additive to improve coating adhesion and weather resistance.

Other Fields

Lubricant additives, cosmetics (hairspray, nail polish), etc., but some uses have been limited.

Safety and Environmental Controversies

Health Risks

May disrupt the endocrine system and affect reproductive development, especially high risk to children.

Regulatory Restrictions

EU REACH, US CPSC, etc. restrict its use in toys, children's products and medical devices.

Environmental Problems

Difficult to degrade, easy to accumulate in soil and water, polluting the ecological environment.

Substitution Trend

Environmentally friendly plasticizers: e.g. citrate (ATBC), epoxidized vegetable oil (ESBO), adipate, etc.

New materials: bio-based plasticizers (e.g. polyesters) and non-o-phenyl compounds (e.g. DINCH).