Ecotoxicity of the Adipate Plasticizers: Influence of the Structure of the Alcohol Substituent

Author: mycolabadmin
2021-08-10
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Summary

This research developed new environmentally-friendly plasticizers for PVC plastic that can safely break down in soil without creating toxic byproducts. Unlike commonly used phthalate plasticizers that can be harmful to health and persist in the environment, these new adipate-based plasticizers offer a safer alternative while maintaining good material properties. Impacts on everyday life: – Safer plastic products for consumer use – Reduced environmental contamination from plastic additives – More sustainable and biodegradable plastic materials – Lower risk of toxic chemical exposure from plastic products – Advancement toward greener chemistry solutions

Background

Industrial development has led to increased use of chemicals and polymer materials, with over 150 million tons of synthetic polymers produced annually. Most are used for disposable products like food packaging. Environmental pollution by synthetic polymers is a major environmental, economic and social threat. Plasticizers make up to 50% of PVC materials and can enter the environment during production, use and disposal of polymer products. While phthalate plasticizers are potentially hazardous due to long biodegradation periods and toxic metabolites, adipate plasticizers offer a safer alternative.

Objective

To synthesize new asymmetric esters based on adipic acid and ethoxylated butanol, investigate their potential as PVC plasticizers, and evaluate their environmental safety and biodegradability.

Results

The synthesized adipate plasticizers effectively reduced PVC glass transition temperatures, with longer alcohol substituents providing better plasticizing effects. Phytotesting showed low toxicity even with the longest-chain compounds. All esters showed ability to biodegrade, though longer chains slowed degradation rates. Biodegradation occurred through sequential hydrolysis without accumulation of toxic metabolites.

Conclusion

The developed alkyl butoxyethyl adipates demonstrated good plasticizing properties and environmental safety. They can serve as carbon sources for soil microorganisms without forming persistent toxic metabolites during biodegradation, making them suitable alternatives to potentially hazardous phthalate plasticizers.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.3390/molecules26164833