Performance testing of a green plasticizer based on lactic acid for PVC

In order to develop alternative green plasticizers, a bio-based plasticizer, acetylated lactic acid 1,4-cyclohexanedimethyl ester(ALCH), with novel molecule geometry was synthesized from l-lactic acid and characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The prepared ALCH was mixed with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as plasticizer and the results indicated that the PVC films plasticized by ALCH have better migration and volatility stability than acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). In addition, ALCH could endow PVC products with excellent performance of strength, elongation and elasticity. With the substitution of ALCH for ATBC, glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVC films decreased gradually from 61.3°C to 55.0 °C. The self-polymerization of lactic acid gives ALCH better plasticizing effectiveness than ATBC.     

Synthesis of a bio-based plasticizer from oleic acid and its evaluation in PVC formulations

The bio-based plasticizers have been extensively developed due to their high compatibility and low toxicity. In this study, the bio-based plasticizers of methyl 10-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethansulfonyl) octadecanoate (MDA) and ethyl 10-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethanesulfonyl) octadecanoate (EDA) were synthesized from the oleic acid and thioglycolic acid and characterized by ¹HNMR and FT-IR. The prepared materials were applied as plasticizers in Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and their properties were compared with the commercial plasticizer, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP). The viscosities of prepared plastisols from novel designed plasticizers were lower than DOP. The results of mechanical properties showed that the synthesized plasticizers of MDA and EDA have the ability of plasticizing effects similar to DOP on PVC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that both MDA and EDA have higher thermal stability than DOP. Two polar ester as well as polar sulfone groups in the chemical structure of MDA and EDA led to lower migration, volatility and exudation than DOP.     

Optimization of the curing conditions of PVC plastisols based on the use of an epoxidized fatty acid ester plasticizer

The use of an epoxidized fatty acid ester (EFAE) as a natural-based plasticizer for plasticized PVC (P-PVC) has been evaluated in this work. The effect of the curing conditions has been studied by following several test techniques such as mechanical properties, thermal behavior, color changes, solvent migration and microstructure. Different curing processes at isothermal conditions (ranging from 160 °C to 220 °C) have been carried at curing times in the 6–16 min range. The optimum mechanical response (tensile strength values in the 9–10 MPa range and elongation at break close to 250%) is obtained for plastisols cured at 200 and 220 °C for 12 and 8 min curing times, respectively. These curing conditions also offer the lowest migration in n-hexane (lower than 11%) which is indicative of plasticizer total absorption. Furthermore, the use of these curing conditions does not lead to thermal degradation as confirmed by color measurements.     

Synthesis of an efficient bio-based plasticizer derived from waste cooking oil and its performance testing in PVC

In order to develop an efficient and sustainable plasticizer, the waste cooking oil and malic acid were used as the main raw materials in this study to synthesize a bio-based plasticizer (acetylated-fatty acid methyl ester-malic acid ester, AC-FAME-MAE) by environment-friendly methods, and the structure was characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR. The properties of the poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) with AC-FAME-MAE were tested and compared with those of the PVC plasticized with DOP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) and EFAME (epoxy fatty acid methyl ester), respectively. The results of tensile test, TGA and leaching test showed that the mechanical properties, thermal stability and overall solvent resistance of PVC films with AC-FAME-MAE were significantly better than those of PVC films plasticized by DOP or EFAME. From the results of DMA, the plasticized efficiency of AC-FAME-MAE was as good as DOP. The application of AC-FAME-MAE has higher safety in the food industry based on the results of food simulation fluids experiment.     

The role of water in structural changes of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) studied by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

Temperature-induced phase transition in water solutions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) have been studied by ATR FTIR and Raman spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations. The presence or absence of the α-methyl group has a strong effect on the physical structure of water solutions. Although the hydrophobic interactions for PNIPMAM and PNIPAM are very similar, PNIPMAM with additional methyl group exhibits significantly weaker intermolecular interactions between the amide groups. That effect is the cause of the higher transition temperature T_t by about 8 °C for PNIPMAM compared to PNIPAM due to the formation of larger compact structures. The presence of the methyl group is significant for the reversibility of the temperature transition during the backward cooling as the dissolution of more stable compact PNIPMAM requires overcoming of a higher energy barrier and shows a strong hysteresis.     

Characterization and thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) plasticized with epoxidized soybean oil for food packaging

The use of phthalates in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) formulations has been questioned by their potential toxicity and high migration to foodstuff. Phthalates can be replaced by other harmless and environmentally friendly plasticizers, such as epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), which has been also proved an efficient stabilizer for PVC helping to prevent degradation during processing. Formulations based on PVC with different amounts of ESBO (from 30 to 50 wt%) were fully characterized showing good compatibility and a clear increase in thermal stability. An evaluation of the use of ESBO for PVC stabilization in commercial lids was carried out by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). ESBO was detected in all materials and their thermal stability was highly dependent on the plasticizer concentration. Most of them showed a significant increase in thermal degradation temperatures, permitting their use in food processing at high temperatures without risk of degradation.     

Structures and Mechanical Properties of PVC／Na^＋—Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Poly(viyl chloride)/Na^ -montmorillonite(PVC/MMT)nanocomposites with different MMT contents were prepared via melt blending.Wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)were used to characterize the structures.Effects of MMT content on the mechanical properties were also studied.It is found that PVC molecular chains can intercalate into the gallery of MMT layers during melt blending process,the stiffiness and toughness of the composites are inproved simultaneously within 0.5-7wt% MMT content,and the transparency and mechanical properties decrease as MMT conten further increases.     

力化学降解对聚氯乙烯加工流变行为的影响

采用Brabender塑化仪和毛细管流变仪研究了经力化学降解制得的聚氯乙烯(PVC)的加工流变行为。结果表明,降解的PVC塑化时间比未降解的PVC明显缩短,塑化速度和熔化效率也明显加快,熔体粘度及玻璃比温度降低。     

Thermal degradation of PVC synthesized with a titanocene catalyst II. Complementary isothermal results

The use of an isothermal degradation method on metallocene produced PVC and commercial PVC, under nitrogen and air atmospheres, reveals more details about degradation routes. Without regard to the polymer origin, the hydrochloric acid release occurs in two steps, which are reflected in molecular weight only under a nitrogen atmosphere; otherwise, the oxygen appears to be included in the scission/crosslinking process. On the one hand, Met PVC has unsaturations from its synthesis, producing a faster HCl release compared to Com PVC; consequently, its degradation resistance is lower. On the other hand, Com PVC has more oxidized species and has a natural tendency to include more of them. Surface area seems to have an important effect and is directly related to the rate of hydrochloric acid release. The latter is not supported by the chain oxidation mechanism, making the effect of the applied atmosphere more critical to the results obtained from the degradation experiments.     

Comparative studies on Tb (III)-selective PVC membrane sensors

A new terbium selective sensor based on N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2-hydroxyphenylhydroxyphenylimino)-N-phenylbutanamidine (L₁) and N,N′-bis((1H-indole-3-yl)methylene)butane-1,4 diamine (L₂) as a ionophore is reported. Effect of various plasticizers; 2-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE), dibutyl butylphosphonate (DBBP), chloronaphthelene (CN), dioctylphthalate (DOP) and tri-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) with anion excluder, potassium tetrakis (p-chloropheny1)borate (KTpClPB) have been studied. The membrane with a composition of ionophore (L₁):KTpClPB:PVC:o-NPOE (w/w, %) in ratio of 3.0:5.0:30.0:62.0 exhibited enhanced selectivity towards terbium ions (III) in the concentration range of 3.5 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻² M with a detection limit of 1.2 × 10⁻⁷ M and a Nernstian slope (20.0 ± 0.5 mV dec⁻¹ activity). The sensors showed the working pH range to be 3.5-7.5 with response time of 11 s. The sensor has been found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 15% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 3 months. The selectivity coefficients indicated high selectivity for terbium (III). The fast and stable response, good reproducibility and long-term stability of the sensors were observed. The application of the sensor has been demonstrated in determination of terbium (III) ions in spiked water samples.     

Effect of new melamine-terephthaldehyde resin modified graphene oxide on thermal and mechanical properties of PVC

In this study a new melamine-terephthaldehyde resin modified graphene oxide was synthesized and used as a reinforcement of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Characterization, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were examined by means of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter and tensile properties. The first hydrochloric acid releasing data of poly(vinyl chloride) was removed by incorporation of the modified graphene oxide as compare to the neat polymer. The temperatures at 2 wt% losses, main decomposition temperatures, maximum decomposition temperatures, also shift to higher temperature in the corresponding nanocomposites as compared to the neat PVC. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the nanocomposite films was increased as compared to the neat PVC. The interesting results in crystallinity of PVC were observed with adding 5 wt% of the modified graphene oxide.     

Analysis of citrates and benzoates used in poly(vinyl chloride) by supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been demonstrated to be a useful tool in the determination of additives in polymeric materials. This paper describes the determination of some citrates and benzoates in poly(vinyl chloride) blended with 33–34% of plasticizer using off-line SFE followed by gas chromatography. Experimental factors affecting SFE have been studied by gravimetric analysis, followed by analysis of the extracts using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. The extraction process is governed by the solubility of the plasticizers in the supercritical fluid or by their diffusion through the polymer matrix, which depend on the pressure and temperature used. Maximum extraction (>99%) is obtained at pressures and temperatures higher than 40 MPa and 80 °C, respectively. Due to purge losses, the collection efficiency of plasticizers into a liquid solvent ranges from 85 to 90%. The applicability of the SFE method is demonstrated using real samples and comparing the results with those obtained by conventional Soxhlet extraction.     

Effect of Different Organic Modifiers on the Tensile Properties of PVC／EVA／Montmorillonite Composites

Poly (vinyl chloride)/ethylene-vinyl acetate/montmorillonite (PVC/EVA/OMMT) composites were prepared by melt blending method. Two kinds of montmorillonites were organically modified by trimethyloctadecyl ammonium and dimethyl bis (hydrogenated tallow) ammonium, respectively. The morphology and tensile properties of the resultant composites were discussed in terms of the modifier type and OMMT content. The PVC/EVA/OMMT composites have intercalated structure, which is independent of the polarity of the modifiers, while the tensile properties show strong dependence on the modifier type. The OMMT modified by polar modifier gives higher tensile ductile and strength of PVC/EVA/OMMT composites.     

Comparative studies of neodymium (III)-selective PVC membrane sensors

Sensors based on two neutral ionophores, N,N′-bis((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L₁) and 3,3′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(5-hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2-ol) (L₂) are described for quantification of neodymium (III). Effect of various plasticizers; 2-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE), dibutyl butylphosphonate (DBBP), tri-n-butyl phosphates (TBP), dioctylpthalate (DOP) and chloronapthalen (CN) and anion excluder, sodiumtetraphenylborate (NaTPB) has been studied. The membrane composition of PVC:o-NPOE:ionophore (L₁):NaTPB (w/w; mg) of 150:300:5:5 exhibited best performance. The sensor with ionophore (L₁) exhibits significantly enhanced selectivity towards neodymium (III) in the concentration range 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻² M with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M and a Nernstian compliance (19.8 ± 0.3 mV decade⁻¹ of activity) within pH range 4.0-8.0. The response time of sensor was found as 10 s. The influence of the membrane composition and possible interfering ions has also been investigated on the response properties of the electrode. The fast and stable response, good reproducibility and long-term stability of the sensor are observed. The sensor has been found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 20% (v/v) content of methanol, ethanol or acetonitrile and could be used for a period of 3 months. The selectivity coefficients determined by using fixed interference method (FIM) indicate high selectivity for neodymium. The proposed electrode shows fairly good discrimination of neodymium (III) from other cations. The application of prepared sensor has been demonstrated in the determination of neodymium (III) in spiked water samples.     

The Evaluation of Long-Term Aged PVC

The article presents the impact of long-term (10 years of maintenance) use of polymer material, with the result of a gradual loss of primary physical and chemical properties and degradation. Under the influence of factors such as heat, water, sunlight, stress forces, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, oxygen, metals, and microorganisms, polymers experience irreversible structural changes that cause a decrease in molecular weight or change in chemical composition. The problems mentioned in this article are known worldwide because of many possible applications for wide-area covers, roofing and others.     

可交联PVC的合成及其交联反应

N,N-二乙基二硫代氨基甲酸钠(铜试剂,简称NasR)取代PVC链中的部分氯原子,制得不同官能度的功能高分子PVC-SR.在热的作用下,实现了PVC-SR的自交联和PVC-SR/NBR共混体系的共交联.研究了温度、铜试剂用量对取代反应的影响及PVC-SR官能度对交联反应硫化曲线、产物的凝胶含量、玻璃化温度、拉伸性能和压缩永久变形的影响,并初步探讨了交联反应机理.     

Application of a bio‐based polyester plasticizer modified by hydrosilicon‐hydrogenation reaction in soft PVC films

A kind of bio‐based plasticizer, poly (hexanediol maleic) (MH), was synthesized using 1,6‐hexalene and maleic acid as raw materials, and it was modified by hydrosilicon‐hydrogenation reaction to improve its plasticizing efficiency. The chemical structure and plasticizing performance of MH and its modification product (MHA) were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). It was found that the hydrosilicon‐hydrogenation modification effectively improved the plasticizing efficiency of MH, reflecting on the decreased T_g and the increased elongation at break of PVC blends. The migration resistance of PVC blends was tested and analyzed by solubility parameters, which revealed that the migration stabilities of PVC blends were promoted after modification. It was verified that the hydrogen bonding interaction between the C?O group of plasticizers and α‐hydrogen of PVC exhibited in FTIR analysis was the main reason for the improvement of plasticizer performance of MH. Moreover, a new hydrogen bonding formed between Si? O? Si of MHA and the α‐hydrogen of PVC derived from XPS also caused the further improvement of plasticity for MHA.     

Non-phthalate plasticizer from camphor for flexible PVC with a wide range of available temperature

A bio-based plasticizer, (1′,7′,7′-trimethyldispiro [ [1,3]dioxolane-2,2′-bicyclo [2.2.1]heptane-3′,2″- [1,3]dioxolane]-4,4″-diyl)bis (methylene) dioctanoate (abbreviated as CDO), was designed to replace a traditional phthalate-based plasticizer. The structure of CDO was analyzed by ¹H NMR. The characteristics of CDO plasticizers, which were judged to have excellent compatibility with PVC due to their solubility parameters, were evaluated by thermal and mechanical analyses and compared with dioctylphthalate (DOP). PVC with 20% CDO added was thermally stable up to 251.9 °C and exhibited excellent strength and flexibility with a high T_g derived from its robust and bulky structure. In addition, since CDO is intertwined with the polymer chain, it shows excellent migration properties in many solvents. The results of our study suggest that CDO can be applied to produce flexible PVC and to expand PVC coverage due to the improved migration resistance.     

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy signals of mixed pesticides and their identification

A rapid and sensitive method to identify and analyze mixed pesticides of tricyclazole,paraquat and flusilazole by surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been reported.Aqueous samples can be detected by SERS in low concentrations of 0.01 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L and 2.85 mg/L for individual tricyclazole,paraquat and flusilazole respectively.When mixing the three pesticides in the low concentrations,their characteristic peaks can still be identified from the SERS spectrum of the mixture.     

强紫外光作用下PVC/增韧剂体系结构与性能的演变

通过UV, FTIR, DSC及力学性能和色差的测试分析, 实时追踪了在紫外光老化过程中, 聚氯乙烯/氯化聚乙烯(PVC/CPE), 聚氯乙烯/丙烯酸酯类共聚物(PVC/ACR)及聚氯乙烯/丙烯腈-丁二烯苯乙烯共聚物(PVC/ABS)体系的微观结构和宏观性能的演变过程. 结果表明, 在光老化过程中, ACR和CPE对PVC脱HCl生成共轭双键反应、氧化降解反应、交联反应及玻璃化转变温度(T_g)的变化等均有抑制作用, 而ABS则对这些反应起促进作用. 在宏观上表现为ACR和CPE的加入能提高体系的色泽稳定性, 体系的力学性能保持率较高. 而ABS的作用相反.