In the context of plastics and pipe manufacturing, plasticizers are additives used to increase the flexibility, durability, and processability of the polymer material. They help in reducing the glass transition temperature of the polymer, making it more pliable and easier to mold or shape into pipes.
The most commonly used plasticizers for various polymer materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene, are liquid plasticizers like phthalates or adipates. These liquid plasticizers are added in small quantities to the polymer during the processing stage.