Plasticizers derived from cardanol: Synthesis and plasticization properties for poly(vinyl chloride)

Authors: CHEN, JIE - Chinese Academy Of Forestry; Liu, Zengshe - Kevin; NIE, XIAOAN - Chinese Academy Of Forestry; ZHOU, YONGHONG - Chinese Academy Of Forestry; JIANG, JIANCHUN - Chinese Academy Of Forestry; Murray, Rex

Submitted to: Journal Polymer Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/16/2018
Publication Date: 4/30/2018
Citation: Chen, J., Liu, Z., Nie, X., Zhou, Y., Jiang, J., Murray, R.E. 2018. Plasticizers derived from cardanol: Synthesis and plasticization properties for poly(vinyl chloride). Journal of Polymer Research. 25:128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-018-1524-4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-018-1524-4

Interpretive Summary: In this research, we developed two novel cardanol derivatives from cashew nut products and used these derivatives as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. This research shows that these derivatives improved the mechanical, thermal, and processing properties of the PVC films. These derivatives will be promising biobased plasticizers.

Technical Abstract: Two natural plasticizers derived from cardanol (CD), cardanol acetate (CA) and epoxidized cardanol acetate (ECA), were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The plasticizing effects of the obtained plasticizers on semi-rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) formulations were also investigated. Two commercial phthalate ester plasticizers, dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP), were used as controls. Mechanical and thermal properties, compatibility, thermal stability, microstructure, and workability were assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic stability analysis, respectively. Results indicated that the natural plasticizer ECA had overall superior flexibility, compatibility, thermal stability, and workability comparable to both controls. The obtained CA and ECA have lower volatility resistance and similar extraction and exudation resistance than that of DOTP and DINP. The CA was further blended with DOTP in soft PVC films. Results of DMA, TGA and mechanical analysis indicated that CA can serve as a secondary plasticizer to improve the related properties of soft PVC formulations. These CD derived plasticizers show promise as an alternative to fully or partially replace petroleum-based plasticizers.