Synthesis of Plasticizers Derived from Palm Oil and Their Application in Polyvinyl Chloride

Ester compounds based on palm oil were synthesized via esterification between oleic acid from palm oil and alcohol (1,4-butanediol, iso-butanol, and 2-ethyl hexanol) by using sulphuric acid as a catalyst. The effects of reaction parameters on esterification were studied by investigating the temperature, reaction time, and amount of catalyst. Conversions of oleic acid to esters were determined. Products obtained were characterized from their acid number, iodine number, ester number, density, and viscosity. Functional group analysis was also conducted by using FTIR (Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red) and 1H-NMR (Proton-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy. These esters compound were used as secondary plasticizers in polyvinylchloride (PVC). The PVC plastics were formulated using the commercial and commonly used plasticizer (DEHP) and the secondary plasticizers based on palm oil components. The addition effects of secondary plasticizers on PVC plastics were analyzed by measuring modulus elasticity and elongation of the plastics. Isobutyloleate can substitute DEHP as much as 80% of the total plasticizer.