1. Chemical composition of DOP oil:

• DOP oil is a phthalate ester, manufactured by phthalic acid interaction with ethyl alcohol (nol) 2-octyl. This compound is mainly produced in the form of colorless transparent liquid or pale yellow.

2. Chemical properties of DOP oil:

• Strong emollient: DOP oil acts as an effective emollient when added to polymers such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), This increases its flexibility and makes plastics more formable.
• Mixability: DOP oil has the advantage of being able to blend easily with many other chemicals, Which makes it suitable for many industrial applications.
• Thermal and mechanical stability: DOP oil is stable under normal thermal and mechanical conditions, making it suitable in working environments that require long-lasting stability.
• High softening strength: DOP oil helps improve the softening properties of plastics, increasing their flexibility and formability.

3. DOP oil uses:

• Plastic industry: DOP oil is mainly used as emollient in plastic like PVC, helping to make it more flexible and comfortable to use.
  • Enters into the plastic pipe industry, plastic sheeting, and plastic film used in packaging.
• Rubber industry: DOP oil is also used as emollient in rubber industry to improve forming and flexibility properties.
• Paints and inks: DOP oil is added to some paints and inks to improve application characteristics such as streamlining and flexibility.
• Synthetic leather: DOP oil is used in the synthetic leather industry to provide flexibility and comfort when using.

4. Benefits and Characteristics:

• Flexibility and softening: DOP oil improves the flexibility of plastic and rubber materials, allowing them to bend or stretch without cracking or damaging.
• Improved mechanical performance: contributes to reduced friction and increased endurance of plastic products, This enhances their shelf life.
• Usage in industrial applications: Thanks to its lean properties, it can be used in a variety of applications that require resistance to damage caused by mechanical pressure.

5. Side effects and environmental concerns:

• Health effects: DOP oil is a fat-soluble compound and has been associated with some health concerns. Persistent exposure to high levels of phthalates can lead to hormonal and negative effects on organs such as the liver and kidneys.
  • Many studies suggest that phthalates may be carcinogenic or may affect reproductive development and development, This prompts a reduction in their use in some products such as plastic toys to which children are exposed.
• Environmental effects: DOP oil can leak into the environment if not handled properly, which can lead to water pollution or affect aquatic ecosystems. So, These compounds should be treated with caution to ensure that the environment is not contaminated.

6. Alternatives and innovations:

• due to health and environmental concerns associated with the use of DOP oil, Research has begun on natural or less toxic alternatives. These alternatives include the use of natural emollients such as palm oil or plant fats, or non-phthalate emollients such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or dipropylene glycol.