Performance Analysis of Bio-based vs. Non-bio-based Plasticizers for PVC

摘要

Phthalates, such as DIDP, are commonly used as plasticizers forrnPVC wire and cable applications. There is an ever growing desirernfor sustainable alternates to petroleum derived materials. Therefore,rnsignificant efforts have been made to develop bio-based plasticizersrnderived from renewable sources to replace the incumbentrnplasticizers. A benchmarking study of several phthalate-freernplasticizers, including bio-based products that are very new to thernmarket is conducted. Model PVC formulations were developed torndetermine plasticizer performance compared to that of phthalaternplasticizers such as DIDP. Formulation hardness, tensile andrnelongation values before and after aging, weight loss, plasticizerrnmigration, and color of compounded materials are examined withrnthe intent to fundamentally understand plasticization effects andrnmechanisms. Processes such as thermo-oxidative degradation andrndehydrochlorination that can account for long term performancernwill also be discussed. Overall, this study showed that some biobasedrnproducts that are new to the market perform as well asrnincumbent plasticizers. It was also shown through the use ofrndifferent additive systems that the formulation interaction dynamicsrnare key for optimizing performance.