Non-endocrine disruptor effect for cardanol based plasticizer

Abstract

A series of bio-based epoxidized plasticizers (CExEp) for soft PVC was synthesized from cardanol and various fatty acids by esterification and epoxidation of the fatty and cardanol unsaturations. The plasticizing properties of these additives for PVC films were proved considering thermal and mechanical data. They seem to be a potential bio-based alternative plasticizer to diisononyl phthalate (DINP), one of the most widespread phthalate plasticizers, with less rigid and stable films. The synergy between epoxy groups, cardanol ring and fatty chains to elaborate efficient primary plasticizers was demonstrated. Moreover, the eco-toxicity using daphnies, algae, and plants as model organisms and endocrinal disruptor tests (YES/YAS) were realized. Our results revealed that the fatty cardanol plasticizer causes a global decrease in toxicity compared to DINP and no harm for environment and human health were detected without endocrine perturbation effect. These positive results of toxicology allow to consider these cardanol plasticizers in industrial applications as alternative to DINP.