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        # Preventing Plasticizer Migration in Synthetic Leather

        

**Topic:** Leather

        

Your synthetic leather looks beautiful on the roll, but after six months on a sofa, it's become sticky and the surface is peeling. The plasticizer is 'leaking' out.

        
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## Problem

Migration occurs when the plasticizer molecules move to the surface of the PVC layer. This is often caused by using low-molecular-weight plasticizers or an incompatibility between the PVC and the top-coat (PU or Acrylic).

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## Likely cause

This issue often stems from inconsistent compounding temperatures, inferior raw material purity, or unbalanced stabilizer ratios within the formulation matrix.

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## Corrective direction

The key is to use high-permanence plasticizers like NBT DOTP or polymeric plasticizers. Additionally, incorporating NBT ESBO improves the compatibility and 'locks' the plasticizer into the PVC matrix. Our technical team can help you select the right resin-plasticizer-stabilizer triad to ensure a 10-year service life.

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          ## Frequently Asked Questions

          
### Does temperature affect migration?

Yes, heat accelerates molecular movement, making migration more likely in automotive or tropical applications.

### Can CPW help with migration?

High-quality CPW can actually help stabilize the formulation, but it must be used in the correct ratio to avoid secondary migration.

        
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By NBT Technical Desk · Updated 2026-06-07

        

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