A general strategy for enhancing the migration resistance of plasticizer in poly(vinyl chloride)

The article delves into the critical issue of enhancing the migration resistance of plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a material ubiquitous in modern society due to its superior properties and affordability. It begins by addressing the inherent drawbacks of PVC, such as brittleness and rigidity, which necessitate the use of plasticizers to improve flexibility and mechanical performance. The focus is on the widespread use of phthalate-based plasticizers, particularly di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DOP), which, despite their favorable performance, pose significant health and environmental hazards due to their volatility and poor solvent resistance. The article explores the regulatory landscape and the urgent need for safer, eco-friendly alternatives. It introduces a general strategy for synthesizing bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable biomass, emphasizing the importance of molecular structure in enhancing migration resistance. The synthesis process involves esterification, Claisen condensation, and epoxidation reactions, resulting in three ester-branched epoxy oleic acid ester-based plasticizers. The article provides a detailed characterization of these plasticizers using FT-IR and 1H NMR, and evaluates their performance through various tests, including thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical properties, and migration resistance in different environments. The results highlight the superior thermal stability, mechanical performance, and migration resistance of the bio-based plasticizers compared to traditional phthalate-based compounds. The article concludes by discussing the plasticization mechanisms and the potential of these novel plasticizers in addressing the safety concerns associated with PVC products, particularly in the food packaging industry.