Low-molecular-weight glycerol esters as plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride)

• Published in: Journal of vinyl & additive technology Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 65 - 71
• Main Authors: Suárez Palacios, Oscar Yesid, Narváez Rincón, Paulo César, Corriou, Jean-Pierre, Camargo Pardo, Mauricio, Fonteix, Christian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brookfield Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2014; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Chemical and Process Engineering; Chlorides; Communities; Computer Aided Engineering; Computer Science; Engineering Sciences; Esters; Fossils; Glycerols; Human; Origins; Plasticizers; Glycerol Esters; PVC; plasticizers
• ISSN: 1083-5601; 1548-0585
• DOI: 10.1002/vnl.21351

Phthalates are the most important plasticizers used in the polymer industry. However, their fossil origin and the results of recent tests showing their potential negative effect on human health have encouraged the polymer industry to turn toward non‐phthalate plasticizers. At the same time, the biodiesel industry produces a surplus of glycerol, thus leading the scientific community to seek new applications for this substance. This paper presents the performance of eight esters derived from glycerol as plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride), including tests to evaluate their compatibility. Results show that glycerol esters obtained from propanoic, butanoic, isobutanoic, isopentanoic, and benzoic acids, while volatile, can be used as poly(vinyl chloride) plasticizers in certain applications. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:65–71, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers