Poly(vinyl chloride) [PVC] is the third largest volume polymer used around the world. It has unique properties that make it valuable for both rigid and flexible applications. Because of its polar character and strong interchain interactions, PVC requires strong plasticization for many uses. Traditionally, esters have been the most common and effective plasticizers for PVC. Phthalate esters have been the most prominent. In particular, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate [DEHP] has been widely used. However, DEHP and other phthalates leach from polymer matrices into which they have been incorporated and enter the environment (it has been suggested that DEHP is the compound most widely distributed in the environment and may be found the remotest parts of the world). Consequently, phthalates are common environmental contaminants to which the human population has suffered widespread and prolonged exposure. Human exposure to phthalate esters may lead to lead to a number of disease states, many arising from endocrine disruption. As a consequence, the development of new, effective and nontoxic plasticizers for PVC is an area of interest and activity. Plasticizers derived from abundantly-available, nontoxic biosources are particularly attractive. Prominent among these have esters of tartaric acid and the furanics. Esters of hyperbranched poly(ester)s produced from two biomonomers, glycerol and adipic acid, are particularly effective as PVC plasticizers. Using the Martin-Smith model for the selection of appropriate ratios of starting materials, these polymers may be produced in a single step and high momoner conversion without gelation but with defined molecular weight, structure and endgroup functionality. The endgroups may be capped as esters to generate effective plasticizers. Plasticizer efficiency is enhanced by the hyperbranched structure of the materials. These materials display good compatibility with a PVC matrix, very effective plasticization, and low tendency for migration.

Biobased plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

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ACS Fall 2022

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