plasticizer

[/ˈplæstɪsaɪzər/]
nounpl: plasticizers
plastificante
1. A substance added to plastics or other materials to increase their flexibility, workability, or stretchability by reducing brittleness
Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products.
Ftalatos são comumente usados como plastificantes em produtos de cloreto de polivinila (PVC).
2. Any chemical additive that softens rigid polymers to make them more flexible and easier to process
The manufacturer added a plasticizer to the resin to improve its flexibility.
O fabricante adicionou um plastificante à resina para melhorar sua flexibilidade.
Plasticizers are significant in both Brazilian and American industries, particularly in manufacturing and construction sectors. In recent years, there has been increased awareness about harmful plasticizers like phthalates, especially in consumer products and children's toys, leading to regulatory restrictions in both countries. The term is primarily used in technical, scientific, and industrial contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
softenerflexibilizerpolymer additivechemical additive
Antonyms / Antônimos
hardenerrigidifier

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
plastificante
Standard term used in industrial and technical contexts
São Paulo
plastificante
Commonly used in manufacturing and chemical industries
Portugal
plastificante
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; standard technical term
USA
plasticizer
Primary term in American chemical and manufacturing industries

Related Words

polymerPVCphthalateadditiveflexibilitybrittlenessresin

Related Idioms & Phrases

plasticizer content
plasticizer migration
plasticizer-free
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →