Synthesis and characterization of novel pentaerythritol ester as PVC plasticizer

A novel bio-based PVC plasticizer, levulinic acid pentaerythritol ketal ester (LAPKE), was synthesized and evaluated as renewable resource alternatives to traditional phthalate. The structure of LAPKE was characterized by FT-IR, 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR. The LAPKE and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) at different mass ratio were added to the PVC to prepare PVC samples. The mechanical properties of PVC samples at mass ratio of 1:1 showed that its tensile strength, elongation at break was up to an optimum value. The thermal stability was measured by dynamic thermal stability and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the results showed that the thermal ability of PVC was improved with the addition of LAPKE. The weight loss of migration property (volatility, leaching test and exudation) has also increased by increasing mass ratio of LAPKE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133 , 44227.