Phthalates have long been used as plasticizers for polymeric materials. However, these compounds are persistent in the environment, tend to bioaccumulate, and may pose significant health risks for much of the human population. Because of this, these materials are subject to increasing regulatory pressure around the world. Consequently, there is a need for the development of more environmentally-friendly, less damaging plasticizing agents for polymeric materials. Tartaric acid is a renewable, edible by-product of the wine industry. It is tetrafunctional and may be readily converted to a variety of esters/ethers suitable for use as benign plasticizers for polymeric materials.

Environmentally-friendly plasticizers from a renewable biosource

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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