Scale-up of a Green Plasticizer

Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility and workability of relatively rigid polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). For decades, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP and sometimes termed as dioctyl phthalate (DOP)) was the most common plasticizer used in PVC formulations. However, DEHP has been shown to have negative health effects, such as being an endocrine disruptor. Recently, DEHP has been banned for use in children’s toys and phthalate alternatives are rapidly being offered. We have been developing succinate-based esters that biodegrade to non-toxic metabolites after being discarded while also performing as well or better than DEHP in blend formulations. This project serves to employ sustainable building blocks for the synthesis of so-called green plasticizers that biodegrade acceptably and perform mechanically well. The industrial partner will benefit by the demonstration of the scale-up of a green plasticizer as well as the economic assessment of such a material. They will be able to take advantage of the results from the internship to become an early adopter of the green plasticizer in their various applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Milan Maric

Student:

Partner:

Canadian General-Tower Limited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

McGill University

Program: