Structural variations
(oligolactide segments, functionalized end
groups, and different plasticizer cores) were utilized to tailor the
performances of biobased plasticizers for polylactide (PLA). Six plasticizers
were developed starting from 1,4-butanediol and isosorbide as cores:
two monomeric (1,4-butanediol levulinate and isosorbide levulinate)
and four oligomeric plasticizers with hydroxyl or levulinate ester
end groups (1,4-butanediol-based oligolactide, isosorbide-based oligolactide,
1,4-butanediol-based oligomeric levulinate, and isosorbide-based oligomeric
levulinate). Structural variations in plasticizer design were reflected
in the thermal stability, plasticizing efficiency, and migration resistance.
The monomeric plasticizer 1,4-butanediol levulinate decreased the
glass-transition temperature of PLA from 59 to 16 °C and increased
the strain at break substantially from 6 to 227% with 20 wt % addition.
1,4-Butanediol-based oligomeric levulinate exhibited better thermal
stability and migration resistance, though the plasticizing efficiency
was slightly lower (glass-transition temperature = 28 °C; strain
at break = 202%). Compared to PLA films plasticized by plasticizers
with flexible butanediol cores, those plasticized by plasticizers
with rigid isosorbide cores exhibited higher Young’s modulus
and thermal stability and lower plasticizing efficiency. Furthermore,
plasticizers with levulinate ester end groups had improved thermal
stability, plasticizing efficiency, and migration resistance compared
to the corresponding plasticizers with hydroxyl end groups. Hence,
a set of controlled structural variations in plasticizer design were
successfully demonstrated as a potent route to tailor the plasticizer
performances.