Synthesis of a Coconut Oil-based Bioplasticizer and Its Effects on the Rheological and Fusion Properties of Poly(vinyl chloride)

Phthalate esters have been extensively used as plasticizers to improve the flexibility and processability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resin. However, the use of phthalate plasticizers is prohibited, and they have been replaced by non-phthalates due to the controversy over their harmful effects on the human body and the environment. Therefore, in this paper, a coconut oil-based bio-plasticizer (COBP) was synthesized via bioconversion of coconut oil using an enzyme catalyst. The rheological and fusion effects of the COBP on the PVC resin were compared with the effects of commercially available phthalate plasticizers in terms of processability, and a predictive model for correlating the mechanical and thermal properties was suggested.