Synthesis and characterization of new bio‐based nonmigrating poly(vinyl chloride) plasticizers

Abstract

AbstractThis study describes the synthesis of new nonmigrating PVC plasticizers based on oleic acid as the main raw material. Their structures and production routes were planned to ensure that the resulting synthesis by‐products could also act as PVC plasticizers. All received Esters 1, 2, and 3 revealed plasticizing effect on PVC. Achieved results of elongation at break (260%) for PVC composites with Ester 2 (C11) and Ester 3 (C14) were comparable to those recorded for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) (C2 and C5), and only 15% lower for Ester 1 (C8). As intended, the developed plasticizers showed high resistance to migration. The Ester 3 proved to be an extremely migration‐resistant bio‐based plasticizer, due to its high oxirane ring content and large molecule size. After 28 days of survey, the loss of this plasticizer from the PVC sample with 50 PHR of plasticizer was 4.7%, which is nearly 80% lower compared to DINP. Ester 2 was slightly less resistant to migration—with 14.1% mass loss observed after 28 days, which can be attributed to the smaller size of its molecules. Additionally, PVC composites containing Esters 1, 2, and 3 exhibited higher thermal stability compared to composites with DINP or DOTP. T10% for PVC composites with 60 PHR of Esters 1, 2, and 3 was recorded at 286.2°C, 282.8°C, and 286.4°C, respectively. Thus, the developed esters can act not only as PVC plasticizers, but also as thermal stabilizers.