Synthesis and application of a novel environmental C26 diglycidyl ester plasticizer based on castor oil for poly(vinyl chloride)

A castor oil-derived diglycidyl ester plasticizer (C26-DGE) was prepared and incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) for the first time. The chemical structure of the product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR). The plasticizing effects of C26-DGE as a primary or secondary plasticizer for the commercial plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP) were studied. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and migration stabilities of PVC films were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA-FTIR analysis, and PVC film surface analysis. Tensile, volatility, and extraction tests were also done. The castor oil-based plasticizer was found to endow the PVC matrix with enhanced compatibility and flexibility. With partially or completely substituted DOP, C26-DGE significantly increased the thermal stability of PVC blends. Furthermore, the volatility and extraction resistance of the novel plasticizers were generally superior to those of DOP. The interaction between the C26-DGE and PVC molecules and the thermal degradation process of PVC blends were also investigated.