To be useful, poly(vinyl chloride) [PVC] must be plasticized. Most commonly, PVC plasticizers have been alkyl phthalates with 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) being the most prominent. These compounds are effective and inexpensive. However, they persist in the environment, tend to bioaccumulate, and pose risks to human health. Plasticizers derived from biosources are generally much more environmentally-friendly. In addition, if properly structured they do not readily volatilize when the polymer is thermally stressed and may promote char formation at the surface of the burning polymer. This decreases the flammability of the polymer. A series of aliphatic esters of 3,5-(diphenylphosphato)benzoic acid has been prepared and evaluated as plasticizers for PVC. Ther thermal degradation has been characterized using thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy.
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