Performance Evaluation and Biodegradation Study of Polyvinyl Chloride Films with Castor Oil‐based Plasticizer

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, a renewable resource‐based plasticizer was synthesized by the lipase‐catalyzed esterification reaction of furfuryl alcohol (FA) and castor oil fatty acid (COFA). The resultant ester (FA‐COFA ester) was used as secondary plasticizers to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. The PVC films were formulated using the combination of a conventional plasticizer di‐butyl phthalate (DBP) and FA‐COFA ester as a secondary plasticizer at different concentrations. Films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical performance, and migration stability. A biodegradability study of the PVC films showed increased degradability with increasing concentration of the FA‐COFA ester in the PVC film. The study showed that ester of FA and COFA could be a substitute of DBP by as much as 80% of the total plasticizer with improved elongation and tensile properties, and such a kind of sustainable resource‐based PVC blend films could be used as a good packaging material with biodegradable property.