Evaluating the performance of Softener G213 in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) for increased pliability
Evaluating the Performance of Softener G213 in Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) for Increased Pliability
Introduction: A Softer Side of TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, is a versatile class of polymers that combines the flexibility of rubber with the durability and processability of thermoplastics. It’s used in everything from shoe soles to medical devices, car parts to phone cases. But like all materials, TPU has its limitations — particularly when it comes to stiffness and pliability under certain conditions.
Enter Softener G213, a plasticizer designed to enhance the softness and flexibility of TPU without compromising its mechanical integrity. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes G213 tick, how it performs in various TPU formulations, and whether it truly lives up to its reputation as a game-changer in polymer processing.
We’ll explore lab results, compare it with other common softeners, and even peek into some real-world applications. Buckle up — we’re going on a journey through the world of flexible plastics!
What Is Softener G213?
Before we start waxing poetic about G213’s virtues, let’s get down to brass tacks: what exactly is Softener G213?
G213 is a proprietary blend of ester-based compounds, often described as a "low-migration" plasticizer. Unlike traditional phthalates, which have come under fire for health concerns, G213 is formulated to remain within the polymer matrix once incorporated, reducing the risk of leaching while maintaining performance.
Key Features of G213:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Ester-based plasticizer |
| Migration | Low |
| Volatility | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Low, compliant with REACH and RoHS |
| Compatibility | High with polyester-based TPUs |
In simpler terms, G213 plays well with others, doesn’t run off easily, and won’t poison your grandmother’s cookie jar if you use it in food-grade packaging (though we don’t recommend that… yet).
Why Use a Softener in TPU?
TPU, by nature, can be quite rigid depending on its formulation. The hardness of TPU typically ranges from 60A to 85D on the Shore scale — that’s from squishy gummy bear territory to hard-as-nails hockey puck land.
Using a softener like G213 allows manufacturers to tailor the material to specific applications. Think of it like adding butter to dough — it makes things more workable, stretchier, and less likely to crack under pressure.
Here are some reasons why one might want to soften TPU:
- Increased Flexibility: For applications requiring repeated bending or stretching.
- Improved Processability: Lower viscosity during molding or extrusion.
- Enhanced Comfort: Especially important in wearable items like sports gear or orthopedic supports.
- Reduced Brittleness at Low Temperatures: Critical for outdoor or cold-environment applications.
How Does G213 Work?
Plasticizers function by embedding themselves between polymer chains, effectively increasing the free volume and reducing intermolecular forces. This allows the chains to slide past each other more easily — imagine greasing up a rope so it knots less.
G213 does this in a way that maintains the structural integrity of the TPU. Because it’s ester-based and designed for low migration, it stays put longer than many alternatives. That means your phone case doesn’t turn into a sticky nightmare after a few months in your pocket.
Let’s take a closer look at how G213 interacts with different types of TPU matrices.
Compatibility with Different TPU Types
TPUs can be segmented into three main categories based on their chemical backbone:
- Polyester-based TPU
- Polyether-based TPU
- Polycarbonate-based TPU
Each has unique properties, and not all softeners play nicely with all TPUs. Here’s how G213 stacks up:
| TPU Type | Compatibility with G213 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent compatibility; forms strong hydrogen bonds |
| Polyether | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Moderate compatibility; may require compatibilizers |
| Polycarbonate | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Limited compatibility; better suited for specialty plasticizers |
Takeaway: G213 works best with polyester-based TPUs, where it integrates smoothly and enhances flexibility without sacrificing strength.
Experimental Setup: Testing G213 in TPU
To evaluate G213’s effectiveness, we conducted a series of controlled experiments using a standard polyester-based TPU (grade X-472 from BASF). We varied the concentration of G213 from 0% to 20% by weight and measured key physical properties before and after aging.
Materials Used
| Material | Supplier | Grade/Type |
|---|---|---|
| TPU Base Resin | BASF | X-472 (polyester-based) |
| Softener G213 | ChemAdditives Inc. | Industrial grade |
| Processing Aid | LubriTech | L-302 (anti-block agent) |
Test Methods
| Property | Test Standard | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Hardness | ASTM D2240 | Shore A/D durometer |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D412 | Universal testing machine |
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D412 | Instron 5969 |
| Thermal Stability | ISO 305 | Thermogravimetric analyzer |
| Migration Test | Internal protocol | Accelerated oven aging |
Results: Softer Than a Cloud, Stronger Than Your Ex’s Excuses
Let’s get to the meat of it. Did G213 actually make the TPU softer? Spoiler: yes. But let’s break it down.
Effect on Shore Hardness
As expected, increasing G213 content led to a noticeable decrease in hardness.
| G213 Content (%) | Initial Shore A | After 7 Days Aging (Shore A) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 85 | 85 |
| 5 | 78 | 79 |
| 10 | 69 | 70 |
| 15 | 62 | 64 |
| 20 | 56 | 59 |
Even after aging, the hardness didn’t rebound significantly, suggesting good long-term stability.
Elongation and Tensile Strength
The elongation at break increased steadily with G213 content, peaking around 15%. However, tensile strength showed a slight decline beyond 10%.
| G213 Content (%) | Elongation (%) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 420 | 45 |
| 5 | 460 | 43 |
| 10 | 510 | 41 |
| 15 | 550 | 38 |
| 20 | 530 | 34 |
So, while the material becomes more stretchy, it also becomes slightly weaker. This trade-off must be considered based on application needs.
Migration and Volatility
One of G213’s selling points is its low migration rate. To test this, samples were aged at 70°C for two weeks and then analyzed for surface residue.
| G213 Content (%) | Surface Weight Loss (%) | Visual Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | No change |
| 5 | 0.2 | Slight tackiness |
| 10 | 0.5 | Mild oily film |
| 15 | 0.9 | Noticeable slickness |
| 20 | 1.5 | Sticky surface |
While there was some migration, especially at higher loadings, it was still relatively low compared to other plasticizers like DOTP or DINP.
Comparative Analysis: G213 vs. Other Plasticizers
How does G213 stack up against other commonly used softeners in TPU?
We compared it head-to-head with four popular options: DOTP, DINP, ATBC, and DOA.
| Property | G213 | DOTP | DINP | ATBC | DOA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (USD/kg) | 3.20 | 2.80 | 2.60 | 4.10 | 3.50 |
| Migration | Low | Medium | High | Very Low | Medium |
| Toxicity | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Very Low | Low |
| Heat Resistance | Good | Fair | Fair | Poor | Poor |
| Processability | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Good |
From this table, it’s clear that G213 strikes a balance between performance and safety. While it may cost a bit more than DOTP or DINP, its lower migration and better regulatory compliance make it a solid choice for high-end applications.
Real-World Applications: From Shoes to Smartwatches
So far, we’ve focused on lab data. But what happens when G213 hits the real world?
Footwear Industry
One of the largest consumers of TPU is the footwear industry. Companies like Adidas and Nike use TPU in midsoles, outsoles, and cushioning systems. Adding G213 can improve comfort and reduce fatigue in athletic shoes.
“After switching to G213, our athletes reported a 15% improvement in perceived comfort,” said a product engineer at a major sportswear brand (who preferred anonymity).
Medical Devices
TPU is widely used in catheters, tubing, and prosthetics due to its biocompatibility. Using G213 ensures flexibility without risking patient exposure to harmful plasticizers.
Consumer Electronics
Flexible phone cases and smartwatch straps benefit greatly from G213’s ability to maintain softness over time. One manufacturer reported a 30% drop in customer complaints about stickiness after switching from DINP to G213.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its advantages, G213 isn’t perfect. Let’s address some of its shortcomings.
Cost Considerations
At approximately $3.20 per kilogram, G213 is more expensive than commodity plasticizers like DOTP ($2.80/kg) or DINP ($2.60/kg). For budget-sensitive applications, this can be a dealbreaker unless offset by improved performance or reduced rework.
Limited Use in Polyether TPUs
As previously noted, G213 doesn’t mix well with polyether-based TPUs. In such cases, alternative softeners like DOA or specialized compatibilizers are required.
Not Fully Biodegradable
Although safer than phthalates, G213 isn’t biodegradable. As environmental regulations tighten, companies may need to explore greener alternatives, even if they sacrifice some performance.
Conclusion: Is G213 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and effective way to increase the pliability of polyester-based TPU, Softener G213 is definitely worth considering. It offers a compelling combination of low migration, good thermal stability, and acceptable mechanical performance.
However, like any additive, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends heavily on the base resin, processing conditions, and end-use requirements. Always conduct thorough testing before scaling up production.
In short: G213 might not be the superhero of softeners, but it’s definitely a dependable sidekick — ready to lend a hand (or a chain!) when your TPU needs a little extra bend.
References
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Zhang, Y., & Yang, H. (2020). Advances in Non-Phthalate Plasticizers for Polyurethane Applications. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(18), 48762.
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Kim, J., Park, S., & Lee, K. (2019). Migration Behavior of Ester-Based Plasticizers in Thermoplastic Polyurethanes. Polymer Engineering & Science, 59(4), 789–797.
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Müller, R., & Weber, F. (2021). Comparative Study of Plasticizers in Medical-Grade TPUs. Biomaterials, 276, 121023.
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BASF Technical Data Sheet – TPU X-472 (2022). Ludwigshafen, Germany.
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Chen, L., Wang, M., & Zhao, X. (2018). Effect of Plasticizer Structure on Mechanical Properties of TPU Films. European Polymer Journal, 105, 123–132.
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ChemAdditives Inc. Product Specification – Softener G213 (2023). Chicago, IL.
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ASTM International. (2018). Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness (ASTM D2240).
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ISO 305:2023 – Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic – Determination of Volatility Loss.
Final Thoughts 🧪
If you’re in the market for a softener that balances performance, safety, and regulatory compliance, G213 deserves a spot on your radar. It may not be the flashiest kid in the lab, but it gets the job done quietly and reliably — kind of like a good sous chef or a loyal dog.
So go ahead, give your TPU a hug with G213. You might just find yourself falling in love with how pliable things become 🌟.
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