Morphology, Microstructure and Properties of PEG-plasticized PVC

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) could be plasticized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) introduced via solution mixing. Infrared and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis indicated the combination of PEG with PVC. The plasticization effect of PEG was obvious for PVC film with less than 40 wt.% PEG. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed PEG reduced the thermal stability of PVC. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and optical microscope (OM) results indicated micropores formed on plasticized PVC films due to the enrichment of PEG from PVC matirx. The PEG also increased the hydrophilicity of PVC by reducing the water contact angles.