The Future of Plasticizers: Biobased and Oligomeric

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Abstract
The deficiencies of popular phthalate plasticizers (ready migration from a polymer matrix into which they have been incorporated, flammability, environmental pollution, human health risks) have stimulated efforts to develop new effective, nonmigrating, low-cost, nontoxic replacements. In the main, these have been based on readily-available, nontoxic biobased precursors. Some, including those prepared from plant oils, have been generated from biomaterials themselves. However, the more numerous and generally more effective have been generated from discrete compounds produced from various biomaterials. Several structural features of effective plasticizers have been recognized. Polar functionality is required to assure compatibility with a wide range of polymeric materials, including poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), the most heavily plasticized polymer. A branched structure greatly enhances the effectiveness of compounds used as plasticizers. An oligomeric structure may strongly limit or prevent migration from a polymer matrix. Hyperbranched oligomers of defined structure derived from the readily-available, inexpensive, nontoxic biomonomers, glycerol and adipic acid contain all these features and are excellent plasticizers. They contain ester functionality, are highly branched, and display a large number of end groups, all of which contribute to their effectiveness as plasticizers.

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