Highly branched poly(butylene adipate) for PVC plasticization: Synthesis and blend characterization

New formulations of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were obtained by replacing low-molecular weight dioctylphtalate (DOP) with poly(butylene adipate)-based plasticizers, with both linear poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) and hyperbranched poly(butylene adipate) (HPBA). Thermal, physical, mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of flexible PVC blends containing different percentages of polymeric plasticizers were compared. Experimental results demonstrated that the migration phenomenon could be overcome by using polymeric plasticizers, without compromising the mechanical properties of final products and improving their thermal stability. © 2011 World Scientific Publishing Company.