252
R. Tesser et al.
reduce the Tg and processing temperature. Dynamic rheology measurements showed
that the added epoxy can very effectively reduce the viscosity, but that the addition
of epoxy also accelerated the crystallization rate of the PC [125].
A series of bio-based epoxidized plasticizers (CExEp) for soft PVC was synthesized from cardanol and various fatty acids by esterification and epoxidation of
the fatty and cardanol unsaturations. The plasticizing properties of these additives
for PVC films were proved considering thermal and mechanical data. They seem to
be a potential bio-based alternative plasticizer to diisononyl phthalate (DINP), one
of the most widespread phthalate plasticizers, with less rigid and stable films. The
synergy between epoxy groups, cardanol ring and fatty chains to elaborate efficient
primary plasticizers was demonstrated. Very low eco-toxicity (daphnia and algae)
and reprotoxicity without significant effect on agonistic or antagonistic properties for
both, female and male hormones, CEC18:1Ep plasticizer is a good fully bio-based
candidate as phthalate substituent plasticizer for PVC films; revealing that using
fatty cardanol plasticizer instead of DINP reduces the global toxicity and improve
the environment and human health which let science consider these cardanol plasticizers in industrial applications as an alternative to DINP. Concluding the safety
of applications of cardanol plasticizers in children’s toys, automobile interiors, food
packaging [29].
Epoxidized fatty acid methyl esters (EME) have been developed as plasticizers
because they are more soluble and confers better flexibility to the plastic even at low
temperatures. The main problem associated with these products lies in their content
of saturated methyl esters. This fraction cannot be epoxidized and has got a very
low affinity with the polymeric matrix, so that tends to migrate at the plastic surface
giving not desired properties to the final products. Acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide
were applied in order to obtain EME and then distillate it to remove the unreacted
esters. A better bio-plasticizer was obtained by a distillation of starting biodiesel,
performed at 0.5 torrs using a two equilibrium stage batch distillation apparatus,
followed by the epoxidation reaction [70].
A simple chemoenzymatic method was developed for the preparation of epoxy
lecithin that contains epoxy oils and phospholipids. The product was evaluated as
a plasticizer in polyester laminates and compared with virgin polyester laminates.
The laminates were prepared using various amounts of epoxy lecithin and evaluated
for different properties. The epoxy lecithin modified laminates showed good impact
strength, tensile, and chemical resistance properties. These laminates were also evaluated for Vicat softening point and water absorption. The epoxy lecithin can be used
as a plasticizer in polyester laminates [173].
Castor oil (CO) based polyol esters (COPE-1, ECOPE-1, COPE-2 and ECOPE2) were synthesized and characterized as a plant oil based plasticizer for poly(vinyl
chloride) (PVC) materials. PVC materials were prepared via blending the synthesized
CO-based polyol esters as the main plasticizer. Properties of the bio-plasticized PVC
materials were better compared to those of commercial plasticizers (DOP and ESO)
including when tested using the tensile test. Thermal stability was improved and the
amount of char residual of PVC blends was reduced. Increasing the molecular weight
of CO-based polyol esters enhanced the migration stability and volatility stability.
R. Tesser et al.
reduce the Tg and processing temperature. Dynamic rheology measurements showed
that the added epoxy can very effectively reduce the viscosity, but that the addition
of epoxy also accelerated the crystallization rate of the PC [125].
A series of bio-based epoxidized plasticizers (CExEp) for soft PVC was synthesized from cardanol and various fatty acids by esterification and epoxidation of
the fatty and cardanol unsaturations. The plasticizing properties of these additives
for PVC films were proved considering thermal and mechanical data. They seem to
be a potential bio-based alternative plasticizer to diisononyl phthalate (DINP), one
of the most widespread phthalate plasticizers, with less rigid and stable films. The
synergy between epoxy groups, cardanol ring and fatty chains to elaborate efficient
primary plasticizers was demonstrated. Very low eco-toxicity (daphnia and algae)
and reprotoxicity without significant effect on agonistic or antagonistic properties for
both, female and male hormones, CEC18:1Ep plasticizer is a good fully bio-based
candidate as phthalate substituent plasticizer for PVC films; revealing that using
fatty cardanol plasticizer instead of DINP reduces the global toxicity and improve
the environment and human health which let science consider these cardanol plasticizers in industrial applications as an alternative to DINP. Concluding the safety
of applications of cardanol plasticizers in children’s toys, automobile interiors, food
packaging [29].
Epoxidized fatty acid methyl esters (EME) have been developed as plasticizers
because they are more soluble and confers better flexibility to the plastic even at low
temperatures. The main problem associated with these products lies in their content
of saturated methyl esters. This fraction cannot be epoxidized and has got a very
low affinity with the polymeric matrix, so that tends to migrate at the plastic surface
giving not desired properties to the final products. Acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide
were applied in order to obtain EME and then distillate it to remove the unreacted
esters. A better bio-plasticizer was obtained by a distillation of starting biodiesel,
performed at 0.5 torrs using a two equilibrium stage batch distillation apparatus,
followed by the epoxidation reaction [70].
A simple chemoenzymatic method was developed for the preparation of epoxy
lecithin that contains epoxy oils and phospholipids. The product was evaluated as
a plasticizer in polyester laminates and compared with virgin polyester laminates.
The laminates were prepared using various amounts of epoxy lecithin and evaluated
for different properties. The epoxy lecithin modified laminates showed good impact
strength, tensile, and chemical resistance properties. These laminates were also evaluated for Vicat softening point and water absorption. The epoxy lecithin can be used
as a plasticizer in polyester laminates [173].
Castor oil (CO) based polyol esters (COPE-1, ECOPE-1, COPE-2 and ECOPE2) were synthesized and characterized as a plant oil based plasticizer for poly(vinyl
chloride) (PVC) materials. PVC materials were prepared via blending the synthesized
CO-based polyol esters as the main plasticizer. Properties of the bio-plasticized PVC
materials were better compared to those of commercial plasticizers (DOP and ESO)
including when tested using the tensile test. Thermal stability was improved and the
amount of char residual of PVC blends was reduced. Increasing the molecular weight
of CO-based polyol esters enhanced the migration stability and volatility stability.