Synthesis of bio‐based plasticizer from custard apple seed oil for PVC application

Abstract In the research, a bio‐based through epoxidizing, plasticizer was created non‐toxic custard apple seed oil (CASO) using peroxy acid generated in situ and investigates the application of a bio‐based plasticizer in the compounding of polyvinyl chloride as epoxidized custard apple seed oil (ECASO) (PVC). The ECASO was synthesized through an epoxidation reaction and characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and analytical parameters such as epoxy value, and oxirane conversion. To create plasticized PVC, the PVC was mixed with different ratios of ECASO and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) using a two‐roll mill and prepared PVC sheet by compression molding. The ECASO plasticizer completely fuses with PVC and plasticized PVC sheets are made. Glass transition temperature, tensile strength, percent elongation, solvent resistance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis were among the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PVC sheets that were assessed. This result shows the plasticization efficiency of ECASO and DOP combined was similar to that of DOP alone, even with the same plasticizer loading. Moreover, when used in combination with DOP, ECASO was found to be a more efficient plasticizer. As a result, ECASO can be used as a biobased substitute for DOP, replacing up to 60% of the ECASO plasticizer loading.