Hyperbranched Poly(ε-caprolactone) as a Nonmigrating Alternative Plasticizer for Phthalates in Flexible PVC

Hyperbranched (dendritic) poly(ε-caprolactone)s (HPCLs) were synthesized to have architectural variations, which are the different lengths of linear segments and different numbers of branches, and were used as plasticizers for flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The plasticization efficiency estimated by the lowering of glass transition temperature and the enhancement in ultimate elongation indicated that the HPCLs with the shorter linear segments and the larger number of branches imparted as high flexibility as di(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and much higher flexibility than their linear analogue, linear poly(ε-caprolactone), which is one of currently used polymer plasticizers. Volatility, extractability, and exudation tests for PVC/HPCL samples showed that there was no plasticizer migration even at very harsh condition, while ca. 7−78% of additives in PVC/DEHP was migrated out of samples, indicating that the HPCL can be used as an alternative plasticizer to remove the potential health risk from migrating phthalates during end use.