Epoxidized Vegetable Oils Research Articles

Understanding the structure-property relationship of anhydride-cured epoxidized vegetable oils: Modeling and molecular dynamics simulation

The development of high-performance thermosetting resins derived from epoxidized vegetable oil (EVO) has received significant attention in terms of the development of low-carbon economies. In this work, the all-atomic cross-linked models of anhydride-cured EVO were constructed and five cross-linking pathways involving distinct cure reactions were considered in the modelling process. The evolution of the number of distinct cure reactions and reactive groups of the cross-linked network under each pathway were monitored. The effects of the type of cure reaction, cure reaction probability, epoxy functionality of monomer, molar ratio of anhydride to epoxy, and anhydride structure on mass density, gelation transition, bulk properties, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of EVO-based thermosets were investigated in detail. The results show that the network exhibited minor difference in cure reactions but apparent thermo-mechanical properties of the thermosets. Etherification of epoxy groups and dehydration condensation caused the unfavorable thermo-mechanical properties. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is most affected by the molar ratio of anhydride to epoxy; whereas the Young's modulus is sensitive to the epoxy functionality of monomer. It is expected that the current work provides deep insights into the network formation and performance development of anhydride-cured EVO thermosets.

Comparison of continuous technologies for vegetable oils epoxidation

Epoxidized Vegetable Oils (EVOs) are an important class of chemical compounds obtained from biomass and used as intermediates to produce several bio-products and chemicals, such as hydroxy-alkoxy compounds, diols, amines, and carbonates. Epoxides originating from vegetable oils and their derivatives, namely fatty acids or alkyl esters, are still produced by semibatch technology which suffers from severe mass transfer limitations and long reaction times, thus impairing the final product selectivity and restraining the overall productivity. In this work, two continuous reactor technologies to produce epoxides from vegetable oils were developed and compared. The first configuration, consisting of only one jacketed tubular reactor operated in co-current up-flow mode, showed a good performance at T = 318 K achieving a double bond conversion exceeding 95 % and an epoxide selectivity higher than 90 %. The second technology, where two jacketed tubular reactors connected in series were operated in up-flow mode, gave comparable conversions and selectivity to the previous one, but under somewhat milder conditions, at T = 294 K and 298 K for the first and second reactor, respectively, and in the absence of any added acid catalyst. Following this latter concept, additional experiments were performed in the presence of different vegetable oils as starting materials to confirm the performance with more common feedstocks. Both configurations showed results that clearly exceed the performance of the current semibatch process.

Fully bio-sourced catalyst-free covalent adaptable networks from epoxidized soybean oil and L-tartaric acid

Epoxidized vegetable oil (EVO)-based epoxy systems offer a promising avenue for replacing non-recyclable petroleum-based thermoset elastomers. Looking towards future prospects, they also hold potential to evolve into sustainable covalent adaptable networks (CANs). Typically, transesterification-based CANs require catalysts to achieve crosslinked structures that are reprocessable at relatively high temperatures (T ≥ 150 °C). In this study, epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) was cross-linked with a eutectic hardener composed of L-tartaric acid (TAR) and ethyl lactate (in an aqueous solution), resulting in the development of a fully bio-based 3D covalent network capable of reprocessing without the need for an exogenous catalyst. In addition, it was demonstrated that the peculiar structure of L-tartaric acid, with –OH groups linked to its backbone, plays a prominent role in the reactivity of the system. These free hydroxyl functions facilitate both the ring-opening of epoxides and transesterification reactions, thus enhancing both curing and covalent exchange kinetics.

Photopolymerization of Limonene Dioxide and Vegetable Oils as Biobased 3D-Printing Stereolithographic Formulation.

Epoxidized vegetable oils and limonene dioxide, a bis-epoxide derived from the terpene limonene, are photo-copolymerized to yield highly crosslinked networks with high conversion of all epoxide groups at ambient temperature. However, the slow polymerization of such biobased formulation polymerizes is not compatible for a use in a commercial SLA 3D printer. Adding an acrylated epoxidized vegetable oil to the bis-epoxide leads to a decrease of curing time and an increase in LDO conversion to polymer. For example, in a 60:40 wt:wt mixture of LDO and epoxidized soybean oil, the conversions of both exocyclic and endocyclic epoxide groups of LDO are ≥95%. These formulations were successfully used in SLA 3D printers, leading to generation of hard and dry complex objects using biobased formulations.

From Waste Vegetable Oil to a Green Compatibilizer for HDPE/PA6 Blends.

When properly compatibilized, the blending of polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA) leads to materials that combine low prices, suitable processability, impact resistance, and attractive mechanical properties. Moreover, the possibility of using these polymers without prior separation may be a suitable opportunity for their recycling. In this work, the use of an epoxidized waste vegetable oil (EWVO) was investigated as a green compatibilizer precursor (CP) for the reactive blending of a high-density PE (HDPE) with a polyamide-6 (PA6). EWVO was synthesized from waste vegetable cooking oil (WVO) using ion-exchange resin (Amberlite) as a heterogeneous catalyst. HDPE/PA6 blends were produced with different weight ratios (25/75, 75/25, 85/15) and amounts of EWVO (1, 2, 5 phr). Samples with WVO or a commercial fossil-based CP were also prepared for comparison. All the blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, and mechanical tests. In the case of HDPE/PA6 75/25 and 85/15 blends, the addition of EWVO at 2 phr showed a satisfactory compatibilizing effect, thus yielding a material with improved mechanical properties with respect to the blend without compatibilizer. On the contrary, the HDPE/PA6 25/75 ratio yielded a material with a high degree of crosslinking that could not be further processed or characterized. In conclusion, the results showed that EWVO had a suitable compatibilizing effect in HDPE/PA6 blends with high HDPE content, while it resulted in unsuitable for blends with high content of PA6.

Nitroglycerin stabilisation in a polyester matrix synthesized by the polymerization of an epoxidized vegetable oil

AbstractNitroglycerin (NG) is a high explosive that is difficult to handle in its liquid form, where the entrapment of gaseous NG bubbles results in its high sensitivity to impact (<0.25 J). NG‐based materials are traditionally prepared by complex mixing processes where desensitisation is of major concern. Instead of using a mixing procedure here we demonstrate the successful synthesis of dynamite‐like materials by using a single step bottom‐up approach to form a polymeric host matrix (PM) for NG from a solution which contains the explosive and the matrix precursors. For this purpose, an epoxidized vegetable oil mixed with nitroglycerin (oil to NG mass ratio of 60/40) is polymerized at 100 °C for 30 h by using glutaric acid as crosslinking agent. No degradation of NG under these conditions is observed. The activation energy of NG desorption from the PM (51.9 kJ/mol) is of the same order of magnitude as the one reported in literature for a double‐base powder (81.9 kJ/mol). An accelerated NG desorption is observed as temperature increases. This can be attributed to a slow diffusion mechanism of the explosive from the volume to the surface of the material, where it evaporates. The ignition of NG/PM in air by an open flame leads to a self‐sustained combustion, in which a part of nitroglycerin decomposes in the polymer matrix. Conversely, NG/PM monolithic and granular loads are not ignited by the explosion of the primer in a 9 mm calibre casing. The shockwave released by a detonator on a small NG/PM cylindrical charge (≈1.5 g) does not detonate it, but only makes it deflagrate. Our results show that this novel single‐step synthesis of NG trapped in a polymeric matrix is a very effective approach for desensitizing it to any form of stress.

Catalytic Systems for the Effective Fixation of CO2 into Epoxidized Vegetable Oils and Derivates to Obtain Biobased Cyclic Carbonates as Precursors for Greener Polymers

The chemical fixation of carbon dioxide by cycloaddition to biobased epoxides, e.g., vegetable oils, fatty acids, etc., is an efficient, sustainable, and clean strategy to obtain biobased cyclic carbonates. These can be used as feedstocks for the synthesis of environmentally friendly biobased polymers as an alternative to polymers used in daily life such as polyurethanes (PUs) and/or polycarbonates (PCs). Nevertheless, this reaction is not trivial at all due to both the low reactivity of the CO2 molecule and the nature of the needed substrates (biobased epoxides) where the epoxide groups are internal and sterically hindered, hampering the CO2 cycloaddition reaction. Therefore, the design of efficient catalytic systems to overcome these hurdles is mandatory. Most of the catalytic systems developed for this transformation aim to facilitate the rate-determining step in the CO2 cycloaddition catalytic cycle. They comprise an ionic liquid or an ionic compound with a nucleophilic anion alone or in the presence of a cocatalyst to assist the epoxide ring-opening. The most commonly used catalyst is tetrabutylammonium bromide [TBA][Br] ionic liquid, but other ammonium-, phosphonium-, and sulfonium-based ionic liquids in combination or not with a cocatalyst have also been disclosed in the literature. This Review presents a structured overview of the reported catalytic systems, both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, employed in the transformation of any epoxidized vegetable oil or derivates into biobased carbonated materials. The different catalytic systems have been discussed and compared in terms of catalytic performance, employed substrates, and reaction conditions.

In-Depth Kinetic Modeling and Chemical Analysis for the Epoxidation of Vegetable Oils in a Liquid–Liquid–Solid System

A heterogeneous catalyst for producing epoxidized vegetable oils, an important intermediate in the production of non-isocyanate polyurethanes, is essential for product separation and for decreasing the side-reaction, i.e., ring-opening reaction, via the Prileschajew method. The development of reliable kinetic models considering key variables for both phases and the mass transfer phenomena is missing in the literature. The reaction pathway for the ring-opening reaction is also under debate. Therefore, we studied the kinetics of epoxidation of cottonseed oil by perpropionic acid over the solid acid catalyst amberlite IR-120. An in-depth kinetic model was developed by using Bayesian inference. The reaction pathway for the ring opening was investigated. Propionic acid, a weak acid, allows for a decrease in the oxirane ring-opening side reaction.

Enabling Green Manufacture of Polymer Products via Vegetable Oil Epoxides

The industrial application of epoxidized vegetable oil is being diversified and commercialized at a rapid pace. It is attributed to its environment friendly nature compared to the synthetic Bisphenol A epoxides which are deemed toxic. However, there are concerns that the incorporation of such epoxidized vegetable oil has an undesirable impact on the main performance properties of tires due to its inherent flexible polymer chain. At the same time, new product innovations and synthesis capabilities can help us develop polymer products in a more sustainable fashion. This review first outlines the inherent challenges, the progress made thus far, and future opportunities for epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives. Next, the main application areas of these epoxides, such as plasticizers, coatings, and composites, are discussed in-depth. Possible design guidelines for surpassing the challenges to equivalent performance are also examined. A meticulous overview of the existing literature is conducted to summarize the recent approaches to epoxidized vegetable oil derivative products with a critical analysis of some of them. This contribution attempts to highlight epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives on the basis of existing challenges, recent research advancements, and their prospective future.

A review on recent approaches to sustainable bio-based epoxy vitrimer from epoxidized vegetable oils

Epoxidized vegetable oil (EVO) – based epoxy vitrimer is a promising bio-based material to replace the non-recyclable and ever-increasing petrol-based thermoset. However, the low overall properties of EVO-based epoxy vitrimer are relatively unmatchable to petrol-based thermoset, retarding the substitution of EVO-based epoxy vitrimer into the application range of petrol-based thermoset. To fill the research gap, we review the recent approaches and important characteristics of EVO-based epoxy vitrimer, including the selection of EVO, classification of covalent adaptable network (CANs) and, material properties. Their potential applications and outlooks are discussed as an implication for future development. For EVO-based epoxy vitrimer, EVOs with higher mean epoxy values are suggested to be selected as epoxy monomer in order to produce a vitrimer with greater tensile properties and higher glass transition temperature, Tg. Types of CANs incorporated in EVO-based epoxy vitrimer are not yet fully explored as only 3 types of CANs (transesterification, Schiff base and disulphide exchange) have been reported currently. The mechanical properties and Tg of EVO-based epoxy vitrimer can be improved by using curing agent with rigid structure and avoid using aqueous-based curing agent during synthesis process. Thermal stability of EVO-based epoxy vitrimer is affected by crosslinking density and the structure of curing agent. It is envisaged that EVO-based epoxy vitrimer with greater properties can be developed to replace the traditional petrol-based thermoset, provided that effective EVO, appropriate CANs and suitable curing agent are selected.

Mechanical flexible epoxy resins with 100% bio‐based carbon content based on epoxidized vegetable oils

AbstractThis work describes the development and characterization of mechanical flexible epoxy resins based on epoxidized vegetable oils (EVO) and sebacic acid. Different oil types (linseed oil, hempseed oil, and soybean oil) with varying epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) were used. Formulation and processing parameters were systematically optimized by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of the EVO type and EEW on thermo‐mechanical and mechanical properties were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests at different temperatures. The EVO type had a strong effect on the thermo‐mechanical and mechanical properties of the resin. However, for the investigated commercial epoxidized linseed oils, the EEW had no effect on these properties. With epoxidized linseed oil the highest Tg and the best mechanical properties (highest tensile strength and toughness) were achieved.

Fully Bio‐Based Epoxy Thermoset Based on Epoxidized Linseed Oil and Tannic Acid

AbstractIncreasing demand for bio‐based epoxy thermoset alternatives has risen in the last few years. Epoxidized vegetable oils (EVO) have attracted significant attention due to their bio‐based, unharmful nature and high availability. This study proposes a fully bio‐based epoxy thermoset based on epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and tannic acid (TA). TA allows, with its high degree of functionality and aromatic structure as a curing agent for ELO, to create a fully bio‐based polymer network with a high glass transition temperature (Tg), high stiffness, and high strength. A maximum Tg of 146 °C, a flexural modulus of 2986 MPa, and flexural strength of 72 MPa are obtained. The strong material properties of the TA/ELO thermoset expose its potential as a bio‐based substitute for petrochemical‐based epoxy resins for high‐performance applications.

The Feasibility of Producing Particleboards with Waste Wood from Civil Construction and Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oils

The feasibility of using epoxidized waste cooking oils as a partial replacement for synthetic resins in the manufacture of lignocellulosic composites where the reinforcement is comprised of mechanically ground wood from civil construction waste wood (CCWW) was investigated. For this study, the wood-epoxy composite was prepared using the thermo-curing technique, and wood particle contents of 20 and 30% (m/m) were studied with a matrix comprised of 50% epoxidized vegetable oil and 50% petroleum-based epoxy resin. The specific mass of the composites was in the range of 1130 to 1380 kg/m3, with the lowest value for the highest content of wood particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was successfully used to monitor the epoxidation of the vegetable oils and the subsequent curing of the epoxy resins and particleboards. Thermal stability of the composite was dictated by its lignocellulosic content, and significant mass losses occurred at temperatures higher than 300 °C, regardless of the wood particles content. The introduction of CCWW particles into the polymeric matrices did not promote the desired effect of improving the mechanical properties in regard to those of the cured blend of epoxy resins. However, the produced particleboards still met the standards of the American National Standards for general purpose boards in regard to their physical and mechanical properties (e.g., density, tensile strength). Hence, the use of wood waste and waste cooking oil to produce particleboards was deemed justified within the framework of a cascading lifecycle-extended service for both wastes.

Fully bio-based reprocessable thermosetting resins based on epoxidized vegetable oils cured with itaconic acid

Nowadays, biomass-derived monomers production and thermosets’ recyclability are the two main efforts in the development of sustainable thermosetting epoxy resins to replace fossil derivatives and mitigate landfill build-up and ecological impact. Here, we propose a simple step and benign synthesis strategy by using the itaconic acid (IA) and two epoxidized vegetable oils (EVOs), linseed and soybean, in order to obtain fully bio-based materials with high carbon bio-content. The reactivity of these formulations, together with the properties of obtained thermosets were investigated and compared with that of DGEBA/IA homologous system. The EVOs/IA reactive mixtures show high reactivity, tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) while the obtained resins display good mechanical properties, high thermal stability as well as resistance to solvents. Due to the transesterification reaction in the polyester-based networks, recycling abilities tested both mechanically and chemically were proven. The fully reprocessed bio-based thermosets displayed almost unchanged thermomechanical properties and chemical structure combined with a simple and green chemical processing.

Physicochemical Characterization of Novel Epoxidized Vegetable Oil from Chia Seed Oil.

In this study, a novel epoxidized vegetable oil (EVO) from chia seed oil (CSO) has been obtained, with the aim to be employed in a great variety of green products related to the polymeric industry, as plasticizers and compatibilizers. Previous to the epoxidation process characterization, the fatty acid (FA) composition of CSO was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). Epoxidation of CSO has been performed using peracetic acid formed in situ with hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, applying sulfuric acid as catalyst. The effects of key parameters as temperature (60, 70, and 75 °C), the molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide:double bond (H2O2:DB) (0.75:1.0 and 1.50:1.0), and reaction time (0–8 h) were evaluated to obtain the highest relative oxirane oxygen yield (Yoo). The evaluation of the epoxidation process was carried out through iodine value (IV), oxirane oxygen content (Oo), epoxy equivalent weight (EEW), and selectivity (S). The main functional groups were identified by means of FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Physical properties were compared in the different assays. The study of different parameters showed that the best epoxidation conditions were carried out at 75 °C and H2O2:DB (1.50:1), obtaining an Oo value of 8.26% and an EEW of 193 (g·eq−1). These high values, even higher than those obtained for commercial epoxidized oils such as soybean or linseed oil, show the potential of the chemical modification of chia seed oil to be used in the development of biopolymers.

Acrylated Biopolymers Derived via Epoxidation and Subsequent Acrylation of Vegetable Oils

Chemically modified vegetable oils have become commercially attractive nowadays because they can be utilized as specialized components for the production of bioplasticizers and biopolymers due to their characteristics as being inexpensive, nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable products. Due to the presence of unsaturation sites in the vegetable oils, they can be chemically modified and transformed into polymeric monomers such as acrylated epoxidized vegetable oils through well-known processes like epoxidation and acrylation processes. Acrylated epoxidized vegetable oil is a biopolymer that has a multitude of applications and is used mainly as a coating material for plastic, paper, and wood. There is an enormous demand for this biopolymer, and the market growth prospects are huge in some regions of the world. However, there are some challenges in the synthesis of acrylated epoxidized vegetable oils in achieving the performance of similar acrylated polymer derived from petroleum sources. In this paper, the chemical structure, properties, and chemical modifications of different types of vegetable oils were reviewed where the emphasis was given on epoxidation and its subsequent acrylation processes. This paper also highlights four types of epoxidation and their subsequent acrylation processes involving five different vegetable oils.

Epoxy resins and composites from epoxidized linseed oil copolymers with cyclohexene oxide

New materials were made by copolymerization of epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) catalyzed by tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BCF). Pure polymerized ELO and polymerized CHO were prepared to study reactivity and properties of starting components in the presence of the selected catalyst. The catalyst furnished high conversion of CHO at a very high rate. Properties of epoxy resins are improved by increasing the amount of CHO. The copolymerization in bulk is fast at room temperature with increasing CHO content, turning violent even at low catalyst loadings, hence, the amount of CHO is limited to about 10% to allow for manageable pot life and heat management. Post-curing is required for improving mechanical properties. The materials are hard, transparent, clear glasses, with glass transitions around 45 °C. Tensile strengths of 27 MPa and flexural moduli over 1 GPa were observed. The feasibility of using these highly hydrophobic triglyceride-based epoxy resins in glass-reinforced composites and foams was demonstrated successfully. Potential applications for these novel systems are in optical materials, potting, encapsulating, and casting resins, foams and as matrix resins in composites. The preparation involves a simple mixing process and an inexpensive epoxidized vegetable oil.

Phosphonium-based ionic liquids: Economic and efficient catalysts for the solvent-free cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxidized soybean vegetable oil to obtain potential bio-based polymers precursors

A series of phosphonium-based ionic liquids have been prepared in one step in a simple way from inexpensive feedstocks. The prepared ionic liquids have been successfully tested as catalysts in the solvent-free cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to an epoxidized soybean oil to obtain carbonated soybean oil that can be potentially employed as bio-monomer in the synthesis for bio-based polymers. The catalytic performance of these ionic liquids was compared to the widely used and benchmark catalyst in CO2 cycloaddition to epoxides reaction, namely tetrabutylammonium bromide at different reaction conditions. The influence of some reaction parameters such as temperature, CO2 pressure, reaction time and catalyst amount was studied. It has been found that the solubility of the prepared ionic liquids in the reaction media (epoxidized soybean oil) is a key factor that limits the catalytic performance of some of the synthesized ionic liquids. All prepared ionic liquids have shown higher thermal stability that the benchmark catalyst and three of them have shown superior catalytic performance. The best results in terms of conversion and selectivity have been obtained with dodecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (5) achieving almost full conversion (99.8%) and excellent selectivity (84.0%) after 5 h reaction at 160 ºC and 40 bar of CO2. Outstanding results compared to those reported in the literature with similar catalysts in the solvent-free CO2 cycloaddtion to an epoxidized soybean oil to obtain the corresponding carbonated oil have been achieved. Considering the facile synthesis of catalyst 5, the large availability and non-expensive of the feedstocks and its catalytic performance it can be considered a valuable and green alternative for CO2 fixation to epoxidized vegetable oil.

Evaluation of natural and epoxidized vegetable oil in elastomeric compositions for tread rubber

In the tire industry, the incorporation of natural origin oils in the development of elastomeric formulations has been one of the alternatives to reduce the use of petroleum derivatives, with a high content of toxic compounds. In this work, soybean vegetable oil was investigated as a lubricant and co-activator in sulfur-vulcanized natural rubber compounds. The soybean oil was used in its natural state and chemically modified by the epoxy ring’s introduction in its structure. In an internal mixer a standard formulation of natural rubber, five formulations replacing a conventional aromatic oil and stearic acid by vegetable oil, and a formulation without an activation system were prepared. The natural and epoxidized soybean oil was characterized chemically, and the elastomeric compositions were evaluated by mechanical and rheological analysis. The mechanical properties showed satisfactory results when vegetable soybean oil was used as a lubricant and could be a substitute for conventional aromatic oils, thus guaranteeing reduction of aromatic polycyclic content in the formulations. The crosslink degree and the rheological characteristics of the samples prepared with vegetable soybean oil were similar to the natural rubber standard sample. The formulations without the zinc oxide and stearic acid evidenced the need for activators in the vulcanization reaction, as they presented properties below standard. We verified that the epoxidized soybean oil, even when promoting better dispersion of the fillers, interfered in the crosslink formation, and consequently there was a decrease in the mechanical properties of these formulations. Finally, we indicated vegetable soybean oil as a substitute for aromatic oil and stearic acid, in the elastomeric compositions used to manufacture treads.

Properties Investigation of Epoxidized Sunflower Oil as Bioplasticizer for Poly (Lactic Acid)

This study aims to improve low intrinsic ductility of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by using a novel bio-sourced plasticizer environmentally friendly and cost-effective and to get a fully biodegradable material with potential application in films manufacturing. For that purpose, commercial sunflower oil (SO) was epoxidized and epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO) was used as plasticizer for PLA. To investigate ESO potential as plasticizer for PLA, its plasticizing effect was compared with commercial epoxidized soya bean oil (ESBO). Bioblends based on PLA and epoxidized vegetable oils (EVO) as bioplasticizers were prepared. The plasticizers (ESO or ESBO) were respectively compounded with PLA at 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%. Mechanical (tensile and Shore D hardness), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) and morphological properties (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) were characterized. The results showed that the addition of ESO or ESBO to PLA decreased tensile strength and tensile modulus compared to neat PLA but increased elongation at break for which an optimum (9 %, 16 and 34 % for ESBO, ESO5.5 % and ESO6.5 % respectively) was reached at a content of 20 wt% of plasticizer. The structures of the obtained plasticized PLA were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal properties (DSC), such as glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) were slightly decreased by addition of plasticizer into PLA, indicating that plasticizer increases the chain mobility and SEM analysis proved successful modification on the PLA brittle morphology with addition of EVO. On the other hand, TGA results revealed increase in the thermal stability. Also the results showed the effect of the EVO weight and the epoxy content (O.O value) on the improvement of the properties of PLA. ESO6.5 % at 20wt% was an efficient plasticizer for PLA.