Synthesis and performance evaluation of bioplasticizer from argemone mexicana oil using sulfated tin (IV) oxide catalyst for polyvinyl chloride applications

In this study, epoxidized argemone mexicana oil polyol ester (EAMOPE) was synthesized by in-situ epoxidation of argemone mexicana oil polyol ester using peracetic acid in presence of sulfated tin (IV) oxide catalyst following glycolysis and esterification of Argemone mexicana oil (AMO). The chemically modified products (viz. argemone mexicana oil polyol (AMOP), argemone mexicana oil polyol ester (AMOPE), and EAMOPE) were analyzed using FTIR and NMR. The analytical results showed the successful synthesis of the obtained products. Furthermore, the physicochemical characterizations revealed that the epoxy product (EAMOPE) was effectively converted. PVC films were formulated using 100 % and 50 % of EAMOPE and compared with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer. Pure PVC film was used as a control sample. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results revealed that the plasticized PVC film using EAMOPE plasticizer improved thermal stability. Thermal oven anti-aging tests further revealed that EAMOPE is more effective in enhancing the thermal stability and durability of PVC film. Analysis of tensile tests indicated that EAMOPE significantly enhanced elongation at break by approximately 38 %, but significantly reduced tensile strength and elastic modulus. This suggests that EAMOPE has significant effects on the mechanical characteristics of PVC film. DSC analysis showed that plasticized PVC film with EAMOPE lowered glass transition temperature (Tg). Therefore, this study suggests that EAMOPE is a viable, environmentally benign bioplasticizer that might replace the role of DOP in soft PVC applications such as kids' toys, food packaging, and medical devices.