5. Influence on some physical characteristics of flexible PVC

5.1 General

The qualities of a plasticizer are measured by the properties it confers on the plastic objects in which it is incorporated. The assessment criteria vary according to the use of the finished products. The most important section of the specifications concerns the mechanical characteristics of plasticized objects under various stress conditions:

• tensile properties at imposed speed and operating temperature ;

• tear resistance ;

• changes in properties after one or more cycles under stress (artificial ageing at high or low temperatures, exposure to UV radiation);

• cold brittleness temperature ;

• flexibility....