Xiao Peng Xu,Si Chen,Yan Qin Shi,Bo Zhen Wu,Meng Ma,Xu Wang
The effect of orotic acid (OA) and its mixtures with calcium stearate (CaSt2) and zinc stearate (ZnSt2) in various ratios on the thermal stability of PVC has been investigated by Congo red and discoloration tests. The results shows that OA acts as a long-term thermal stabilizer for PVC like CaSt2, and the combination of OA and ZnSt2 exhibited a synergistic stabilization effect at a certain ratio. This is due to the ability of OA to absorb HCl released during the degradation of PVC to diminish its catalytic effects, and react with ZnCl2 to stop its catalytic effect for PVC. CaSt2-ZnSt2/OA stabilizers exhibit good synergistic effects with both acceptable initial color and long-term stability for PVC
The aim of this study is to use natural orotic acid (OA) as a sustainable, environmentally friendly additive to improve the crystallization, rheological, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of bacterially synthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB). OA was found to be an efficient nucleating agent for P34HB, and dramatically enhanced both non-isothermal and isothermal crystallization rates. The incorporation of OA increased nucleation density and decreased spherulite size, but had little effect on the crystalline structure. The rheological properties of the P34HB were greatly improved by the solid filler OA, particularly when a percolation network structure was formed in the blends. The thermal stability of P34HB was strongly enhanced, as exemplified by the ~23 °C increase in the onset thermal decomposition temperature ( T o ) for the blend loaded with 5 wt% OA compared to that of pure P34HB. Moreover, the yield strength and elongation at break of P34HB containing 0.5 wt% OA increased by 25% and 119%, respectively. The most intriguing result was the clear enhancement in the enzymatic hydrolysis rates of the P34HB/OA blends compared to that of neat P34HB. The synergetic improvement in these properties may be of significant importance for the wider practical application of biosourced P34HB.