Progress in bio-based plastics and plasticizing modifications
Plasticizers have long been known for their effectiveness in enhancing the flexibility of synthetic plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and epoxy resins. New types of plasticizers compatible with bio-based plastics are being developed.
Effect of glycerol plasticizer loading on the physical
This might be ascribed to plasticizers' role in upsetting and restructuring intermolecular polymer ... R. F. et al. Characterization of starch-based bioplastics from jackfruit seed plasticized
Natural-based plasticizers and biopolymer films: A review
Plasticizers are an important class of low molecular weight non-volatile compounds that are widely used in polymer industries as additives [1]. The primary role of such substances is to improve the flexibility and processability of polymers by lowering the second order transition temperature, the glass transition temperature ( Tg ).
Role of plasticizers in bioplastics - MedCrave online
Citation: Tyagi V, Bhattacharya B. Role of plasticizers in bioplastics. MOJ Food Process Technol. 2025;7(4):128130. DOI: 10.15406/mojfpt.2025.07.00231 Properties of plasticizers Typically, plasticizers have linear or cyclic carbon chain with an average molecular weight of 300 to 600. These are high boiling
A Comprehensive Review on the Emerging Roles of Nanofillers
The role of the plasticizer is to improve film flexibility, whereas the filler serves as a reinforcement medium. In recent years, much research attention has been shifted toward devising diverse methods for enhancing the performance of bioplastics, particularly in the utilization of environmentally benign nanoparticles to displace the
- Which plasticizers are used in the development of bioplastics?
- The plasticizers most used in the development of bioplastics are glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, fructose, sucrose, and mannose [29, 44]. Glycerol and sorbitol have been reported to improve mechanical properties; however, they decrease the biodegradation capacity of potato-based bioplastics .
- What are plasticizers used for?
- Plasticizers are an important class of low molecular weight non-volatile compounds that are widely used in polymer industries as additives . The primary role of such substances is to improve the flexibility and processability of polymers by lowering the second order transition temperature, the glass transition temperature (Tg).
- Why do biopolymers need plasticizers?
- However, they generally present poor mechanical properties regarding processability and end-use application, since the fragility and brittleness exhibited during thermoformation can limit their potential for application. In order to overcome this problem, plasticizers are added to provide the necessary workability to biopolymers.
- Why are bio-based plasticizers important?
- While bio-based plastics like PLA, PHA, bio-based epoxy resin, and bio-based PE have seen rapid technological development, their market impact is limited by high production costs and performance limitations. Plasticizers are important additives and performance enhancers of polymers, making them crucial for improving the properties of these bio-based plastics.
- Does plasticizer improve elasticity and elongation of bioplastic?
- The elasticity and flexibility of bioplastic is enhanced through the weakening of the internal hydrogen bonds among polymer chains and increasing the molecular spacing [ 18, 107 ]. Therefore, plasticizer plays an important role in improving the flexibility, softening and elongation properties of the bioplastic [ 20 ].
- What is the importance of using bioplasticizers?
- The importance of using bioplasticizers is highlighted, besides studying the role of surfactants, compatibilizers, cross-linkers, coupling agents, and chain extenders. Cellulose, lignin, starch, chitosan, and composites are analyzed as part of the non-synthetic bioplastics considered.