Why Choose TOTM Plasticizer

TOTM (tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate) is a low volatility plasticizer that is suitable for many applications such as wire and cable insulation, tools for applications requiring insulation gaskets and medical tubing. It is also an ideal alternative to phthalate plasticizers in applications where lower volatility is of supreme importance.
TOTM's molecular weight makes it less mobile than DOTP and other monomeric plasticizers. This results in a slower absorption into porous PVC resin particles during compounding.

Low Extraction Rates
TOTM (Trioctyl Trimellitate) is an excellent, high molecular weight, branched plasticizer that is suitable for applications where extreme low volatility is required. This makes it an excellent choice for dishwater gaskets, automotive interior or molded parts, electrical, flexible medical, and cable insulation.
Moreover, TOTM is highly resistant to extraction from PVC. It is used in a variety of applications including calendering and extrusion.
In this study we demonstrate that low-field NMR spectroscopy can be used to identify and quantify the amount of various PVC plasticizers in solution. The advantage of this method is that it uses a larger sensitive volume than the standard method which results in lower detection limits and higher LODs at the same concentration. It also enables the use of suited non-deuterated solvents for the extraction step.

Low Migration Rates
TOTM has the lowest migration rates amongst all plasticizers tested. This is primarily due to its high molecular weight, which makes it less susceptible to stress cracking.
This is an important property as it allows connectors and other rigid components to remain in contact with PVC tubing. It is also a reason why TOTM was selected for use in medical devices because of its low migrability.
The evaporation and diffusion processes are generally the two primary modes for plasticizer loss. However, there is a transition temperature (Tc) where the evaporation process becomes the dominant mode and the diffusion process is no longer as strong. This shift in the kinetics is usually observed at lower temperatures for the evaporation process and at higher temperatures for the diffusion process.

Excellent Resistance to Extraction
TOTM Plasticizer is one of the most efficient non-phthalate plasticizers. Its excellent performance properties, low temperature flexibility and resistance to extraction by soapy water make it an ideal choice for plastisols.
It is also used for vinyl automotive interior trim and wire and cable insulation (TOTM-CA). The compound imparts a high degree of volatility resistance to PVC compounds and retains original elongation after air oven aging.
GEHTMA-3 containing ester groups, hydroxyl groups, epoxy rings and nitrogen, acts as a compatibilizer between PVC and DOTP. It has the advantage of a high branching degree and large relative molecular weight. In addition, it has a higher polarity than DOP. This property is beneficial for migration suppression.

Low Toxicity
Trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM) is an extremely low volatile plasticizer that is used in a wide range of polyvinyl chloride and other plastics. It offers excellent processing properties, high boiling points and long shelf life.
In contrast to DEHP, which can act as a toxicant for humans and animals, TOTM is a phthalate-free plasticizer with very low toxicity. Moreover, TOTM is biodegradable and contains no polymerization inhibitors or ethoxylated monoglycerides.
The development of non-phthalates such as TOTM, diisononyl phthalate (DINCH) and diesters from esterification of isosorbide with plant-based fatty acids represents a potential alternative to phthalates in PVC applications. POLYSORB(r) ID 37 is an example of such a product. It is a low-cost, biodegradable, and sustainable alternative to phthalates and other chemical additives in PVC.

Low Temperature Flexibility
The low temperature flexibility of TOTM plasticizer enables it to be used in wire and cable coatings. TOTM is also a great option for chemical-migration resistance in industrial boots and other applications that require a tough material.
A common problem with flexible polymers is migration of plasticizers from the base material to surrounding environments, causing loss of flexibility and embrittlement. This happens primarily through three mechanisms: volatilization, diffusion from the center to the surface, and extraction into contacting liquids such as fats or greases.
When phthalate esters are used as primary plasticizers in blends with TOTM, retention of elongation and tensile properties is limited by the higher volatility of phthalates at high levels of phthalate. When phthalate concentrations are increased to more than 40 wt%, retained tensile and elongation properties begin to fail.