Plasticizer migration from cross-linked flexible PVC. 1. Effects on tribology

Utilization of soft PVC is restricted by plasticizer migration that can affect material properties, as well as its toxicity. Modifying the chemical structure of PVC is one of the most effective tool to reduce the diffusion of plasticizer. In this work, a soft cross-linked PVC was obtained using a difunctional amine, namely isophoron diamine (IPDA) as the cross-linking agent. The gel content (wt %) was evaluated by weighting the insoluble portion obtained through solvent extraction technique. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that cross-linking reactions promote thermal degradation phenomena in the polymer matrix. Tribological properties of soft uncross-linked, cross-linked and rigid PVC were determined. Soft formulations were held in contact for 32 days with rigid PVC sheets. Plasticizer migration towards the interface causes an increase of dynamic friction compared to that of the reference rigid PVC. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.