Plasticizers for Biopolymer Films - Glass Transition and
Plasticizers are low molecular weight agents added to polymeric materials such as plastics, biopolymer based films, paints, or adhesives, to produce or promote plasticity, flexibility, processability and to reduce brittleness by lowering the glass transition temperature (Tg).
Natural-based plasticizers and biopolymer films: A review
In biopolymer-based films and coatings production, plasticizers are also essential additives since they can improve flexibility and handling of films, maintain integrity and avoid pores and cracks in the polymeric matrix [20].
Comparative Effect of Different Plasticizers on Barrier
Purpose Identifying ideal plasticizer is pivotal to develop a biopolymer-based edible films for food packaging. The effect of different plasticizers (glycerol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol) on the mechanical, water vapor barrier, optical, and moisture sorption properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) -based flexible films was examined in this study. Methods Mechanical properties and
What Plasticizers Do & How They Affect Properties | Osborne
Posted May 17, 2025. Plasticizers are non-volatile chemical solvents used throughout the plastics industry to increase such properties as flexibility, pliability, durability, longevity, biodegradability, and extensibility in polymers. When added to a plastic or elastomer, plasticizers affect the properties of the material without fundamentally
Natural-based plasticizers and biopolymer films: A review
The plasticized films exhibited increased water vapor permeability values from 4.855 × 1010 to 8.70 × 1010 g·m1·s1·Pa1, irrespective of plasticizer types. Overall, the current study manifested that plasticized sugar palm starch can be regarded as a promising biopolymer for biodegradable films.
- What is a biopolymer and a plasticizer?
- The mix of a biopolymer, a plasticizer, and additives commonly dissolved in water, which acts like a solvent is known as a bioplastic (Fig. 2). The strength of this type of compound is given by the biopolymer, while plasticizers work by decreasing intermolecular forces increasing its flexibility and avoiding shrinking (Vieira et al., 2011).
- Are biopolymers a good substitute for conventional plasticizers?
- The use of natural and/or biodegradable plasticizers, with low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubber and elastomers in substitution of conventional plasticizers, such as phthalates and other synthetic conventional plasticizers attracted the market along with the increasing worldwide trend towards use of biopolymers.
- Why are plasticizers important in biopolymer-based films & coatings production?
- In biopolymer-based films and coatings production, plasticizers are also essential additives since they can improve flexibility and handling of films, maintain integrity and avoid pores and cracks in the polymeric matrix .
- What are biodegradable plasticizers?
- Biodegradable plasticizers such as soybean oil (SO), epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and triethyl citrate (TEC) were added to poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) films, enhancing their thermal and mechanical properties. TEC or DBP presented better plasticizing effects than SO and ESO for PHBV .
- What are natural based plasticizers?
- Nowadays, there is increasing interest in the use of natural-based plasticizers that are characterized by low toxicity and low migration. This group includes epoxidized triglyceride vegetable oils from soybean oil, linseed oil, castor-oil, sunflower oil, and fatty acid esters (FAEs) .
- What is a plasticizer?
- In general, plasticizers can be defined as low molecular weight (between 300 and 600) , high boiling point materials which are added to a film-forming polymer to enhance its flexibility, durability, processability, and workability . Their addition can avoid shrinking during storage , and in some cases reduce costs .
