What does plasticization mean?
Plasticization is the technical term for making a material plastic or pliable, most often by heating a polymer until it softens enough to be mixed, extruded, or shaped. In plastics processing, it describes both the transformation of a resin into a workable melt and the degree to which that material has softened. The word is especially relevant to chemistry, manufacturing, recycling, and materials science, where the temperature and extent of softening determine how a polymer can be processed. Plasticization is distinct from plasticity: plasticization names the process of bringing a material to a plastic state, whereas plasticity is the capacity of a material to be shaped or deformed. Because it identifies a specific technical operation, plasticization is less common in general speech than the more familiar terms plastic or soften. In specialist writing, it is generally used as an uncountable process noun.
nounThe process of making a material plastic or pliable, especially by heating it so that it can be shaped. In polymer processing, it can also refer to the degree to which a material has softened.
- The process of making a material plastic, pliable, or soft enough to be shaped.
- The condition or degree of a material's being softened for processing.
"Controlled heating achieved the plasticization of the polymer before it was shaped."
"The plasticization of the resin was carefully controlled to prevent thermal degradation."
"Different plasticization temperatures allow the recycled polymer to be processed more efficiently."
Usually uncountable when referring to the general process; the plural is uncommon and may distinguish separate instances or treatments.
"The researchers compared plasticizations of the same polymer under different conditions."
From a Greek word associated with molding to the modern process that softens polymers for shaping, plasticization names the moment rigid material becomes workable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of plasticization
The suffix -ization forms a noun of action from plasticize, which is itself built from plastic. English plastic came through Latin plasticus from Greek plastikos, a word derived from plastos, meaning “molded.” Plasticization therefore names the process of making a material plastic or moldable.
How plasticization is actually used
This is a technical term used mainly in polymer science, manufacturing, and recycling. It normally names a process and is therefore treated as a mass noun, although plural forms can occur when separate instances are being discussed.