Epoxidized esters of succinic acid, oleic acid and propylene glycol as an effective bioplasticizer for PVC: A study of processing conditions on the physico‐chemical properties

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2024-04, Vol.141 (15), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Ledniowska, Kerstin, Janik, Weronika, Nosal‐Kovalenko, Hanna, Sabura, Ewa, Basiak, Ewelina, Jaszkiewicz, Anna, Rybak, Aleksandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acids; Biodegradation; bioplasticizer; Chemical properties; epoxidized esters; Esters; Fourier transforms; Infrared analysis; Mechanical properties; Oleic acid; Phthalates; Plasticizers; poly(vinyl chloride); Polyvinyl chloride; processing conditions; Propylene; Respirometry; Succinic acid; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.55218

The present study evaluated the use of epoxidized esters of succinic acid, oleic acid, and propylene glycol as a bioplasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and compared the results with the commercial phthalate plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate. The chemical properties, structure, and biodegradation of the obtained bioplasticizer were analyzed. In order to analyze the influence of different PVC processing conditions on the properties of the obtained samples, the gelation process was carried out at 170, 180, 190, and 200°C at a time of 1.5–10.0 min. Mechanical properties, thermal characteristics, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, plasticizer migration, and color change were determined for the resulting plasticized PVC samples. The performed studies allowed to confirm the obtaining of a biodegradable bioplasticizer (after 28 days, the decomposition rate in respirometry test was 72.7%). The optimal conditions for PVC processing were determined. For them the properties of the obtained material were superior. Processing PVC at 170°C for 7.5 min proved to be the most optimal conditions for the bioplasticizer synthesized in this study. Under these conditions, tensile strength of about 23 MPa and elongation at break of 200% were obtained, while plasticizer migration was very low (4.4% after 7 days and 6.8% after 28 days). Scheme of obtaining a bioplasticizer with with chemical structures and a graphical scheme for preparing PVC blends using various processing conditions.