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DB66 High-Wear-Resistance Plasticizer for Crystal Shoe Soles
DOBO Technical R&D TeamUpdated 9 on Nov 2026Oct 26, 2026
DB66 for PVC and TPR soles: why abrasion resistance depends on plasticizer selection, clarity requirements for crystal soles, 20% tensile strength change after filler addition, and over 50% DOP/DOTP replacement guidance.
DB66 High-Wear-Resistance Plasticizer for Crystal Shoe Soles
Why do crystal soles fail the abrasion test while a black sole of the same hardness passes?Abrasion resistance and hardness are distinct properties. A clear sole must meet both a hardness target and transparency requirements, so the plasticizer package needs to deliver on both while maintaining flexibility at low temperatures. DB66 is formulated for PVC and TPR sole systems, offering stable abrasion resistance and performance under repeated low-temperature flexing. It is suitable for both injection and compression molded soles. Hardness and resilience targets should be verified through trial formulations.
Abrasion resistance depends on both the plasticizer and the filler.
Sole wear results from two simultaneous mechanisms: abrasive wear removes surface material, while fatigue wear initiates small cracks that propagate with each step. In a plasticized sole compound, the plasticizer determines flexibility—allowing the material to deform under load rather than crack—while the filler and resin control hardness. If the plasticizer is under-dosed for the target hardness, the compound becomes brittle and abrasion loss increases. If over-dosed, excessive deformation occurs, raising the wear rate again and causing the edges to feel soft.
| Sole performance factor | What sets it apart | Practical implications |
|---|---|---|
| Wear loss | Plasticizer Type and Loading vs. Filler | Determines tread pattern longevity |
| Low-temperature flexing | Plasticizer low-temperature performance | Cracks in winter or during cold storage |
| Hardness and rebound | Loading and Fill Level | Comfort and dimensional stability |
| Clarity (crystal grades) | Compatibility and refractive index matching | Haze, cloudiness, visible core lines |
| Tensile strength | Total compound balance | Flex-line tear resistance |
Manufacturer data for DB66
Per manufacturer data, tensile strength improves by approximately 20% after filler addition. DB66 can replace over 50% of primary DOP/DOTP plasticizer. Both values are preliminary and must be verified using your specific formulation. Tensile and abrasion results depend on the filler grade, loading level, molding conditions, and test method used.
| Property | Manufacturer direction | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength after filler addition | About 20% improvement area | Tensile test on molded specimens |
| Replace primary plasticizer | More than 50% DOP/DOTP | Staged trial at 30%, 50% and above |
| Abrasion resistance | Consistent performance direction | Abrasion test on finished soles |
| Low-temperature flexing | Stable under repeated flexing | Cold flex test at service temperature |
| Molding methods | Injection and compression | Confirm cycle and hardness |
Designing a crystal sole compound
Crystal soles have a requirement that ordinary soles don't: the compound must remain clear. Transparency in plasticized PVC depends primarily on compatibility between the plasticizer and the resin, and on the absence of domains that scatter light. A plasticizer that separates slightly during cooling or gels unevenly will appear hazy, even if mechanical properties are correct.
| Design step | Settings | Note for a clear sole |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness target | Set from product brief | Hardness changes with total load. |
| Plasticizer package | DB66 as the primary fraction | Compatibility ensures clarity |
| Placeholder | Kept low where transparency is required | Filler increases hardness but reduces clarity |
| Stabilizer and lubricant | Selected for color and release | Some lubricants may cause surface clouding. |
| Molding conditions | Stable temperature and cycle | Uneven cooling appears as internal haze. |
When a crystal effect is achieved through a formulation rather than a transparent compound alone, the plasticizer still plays a critical role, as uneven gelation and migration can disrupt the optical structure. Therefore, trials should be evaluated for appearance in addition to hardness and abrasion resistance.
Sole Molding Defect Checklist
| Defect | Likely cause | Initial check |
|---|---|---|
| High abrasion loss | Hardness target not met due to low loading | Loading and filler balance |
| Cracks at the bend line | Insufficient low-temperature flexibility | Cold flex result |
| Haze or cloudiness | Compatibility or cooling profile | Trial sheet clarity and mold cooling |
| Sticky surface | Overloading or migration | Total loading and stabilizer system |
| Warping after demolding | Cooling or packing pressure | Cycle settings |
Frequently asked questions
Can DB66 be used in both TPR and PVC soles?Designed for PVC and TPR sole systems, supporting both injection and compression molding. Optimal loading for each system varies and must be confirmed via trial.
What proportion of the primary plasticizer can be substituted?According to manufacturer data, more than 50% of the primary DOP or DOTP can be replaced. A staged trial starting at approximately 30% is the recommended approach to validate results on your production line.
Will replacement affect hardness?Yes. Since different plasticizers vary in efficiency by weight, the total loading typically requires minor adjustment to meet the target hardness.
How should abrasion be assessed?Test specimens manufactured under intended production conditions using the customer-specified method, with a reference sole made from the current formulation for comparison.
Request a sample and recommendation
Send us your target formulation and hardness. Our team will recommend a starter package with DB66, including a 1kg complimentary testing sample shipped worldwide via DHL or FedEx. Trial order MOQ is 1 MT, and bulk shipments are dispatched in 23 MT flexitank containers from Ningbo or Shanghai.
Sample and Order
DB66 · DB66 Plasticizer for PVC and TPR Soles
Regulatory and standards references
The links below lead to official EU, US, and ISO sources for the compliance frameworks discussed on this page. DOBO does not control third-party content; the official text and regulations of the buyer's market take precedence.
- ECHA — Understanding REACHEU registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), including the Candidate List of substances of very high concern.
- EUR-Lex — Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)Restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; Annex II lists restricted substances and their maximum concentrations.
- eCFR — 21 CFR 175.300US FDA regulations for resinous and polymeric coatings intended for repeated use as food-contact surfaces, including extraction testing conditions.
- ASTM — Plastic and plasticizer standardsASTM International publishes the test methods referenced in our TDS, including plasticizer sampling and chemical analysis, tensile properties, and heat-aging procedures.
- ASTM — Plastic and Plasticizer Testing StandardsASTM International has published the test methods referenced in the TDS, covering sampling and chemical analysis of plasticizers, as well as tensile properties and thermal aging procedures.
- ISO — ISO 10993-1Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, establishing the foundation for biocompatibility programs.
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