"Plastification" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Plastification refers to the process of making something plastic or similar to plastic. It can also refer to the process of rendering something insipid or unoriginal by making it overly conform to a standardized or formulaic style.In chemistry, plastification is also known as plasticization, which is the process of making a material more flexible, pliable, or moldable by adding a plasticizer, such as a solvent or a chemical additive.In a broader sense, plastification can also imply a lack of originality or creativity, often resulting in something that feels mass-produced or artificial.
Plasticizers are substances added to materials, typically plastics and rubbers, to increase their flexibility and plasticity. They work by reducing the intermolecular forces between the polymer chains, making it easier for the material to bend and stretch without breaking.Plasticizers are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including:1. Adhesives: to improve the flexibility and tackiness of adhesives2. Coatings: to improve the flexibility and durability of paint and coatings3. Plastics: to improve the flexibility and moldability of plastics4. Rubber: to improve the elasticity and stretchiness of rubber5. Food packaging: to improve the flexibility and barrier properties of packaging materialsSome common examples of plasticizers include:<em> Phthalates (e.g. diethyl phthalate (DEP))</em> Adipates (e.g. di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA))<em> Esters (e.g. butyl benzoate)</em> Triazinones (e.g. dipentene triazinone)However, some plasticizers have been linked to health and environmental concerns, such as endocrine disruption and toxicity. As a result, the use of some plasticizers has been restricted or banned in certain countries and applications.
The word "plastinate" is a verb that means to preserve (a body) using a plastics-based process, especially to create a durable and lifelike model that can be displayed publicly, often for educational or aesthetic purposes.