Novel branched poly(-caprolactone) as a nonmigrating plasticizer in flexible PVC: Synthesis and characterization

摘要

A series of hyperbranched poly(-caprolactone) (HPCLs, denoted as D-X) with different molecular weights were synthesized by the copolymerization of GPCL (PCL initiated by glycidol) and succinic anhydride. The chemical structure of D-X was characterized by H-1-NMR gel permeation chromatography and inherent viscosity, and D-X was used as the plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compared to traditional plasticizer di-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The thermal properties, morphology, mechanical properties, and migration stabilities of PVC films were explored with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, tensile, and migration tests. PVC/D-1 exhibited the best plasticization efficiency up to 107%, with enhanced tensile strength (18.5 MPa) and ultimate elongation (416%) compared to PVC/DEHP (11.5 MPa and 375%, respectively). PVC/D-1 exhibited remarkably high plasticization efficiency as compared to PVC/DEHP at a plasticizer concentration of PVC below 40 wt %. Moreover, the migration test for PVC/D-X films exhibited minimal plasticizers migration even at very harsh conditions. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46542.