The potential of tartarates as a compatibilizers and plasticizers in biodegradable films

Abstract

Traditional plasticizers, predominantly phthalates, pose significant health and environmental risks due to their endocrine-disrupting properties and tendency to leach from products. In response, green plasticizers, sourced from renewable materials like vegetable oils and plant-based polyols, have emerged as a crucial, sustainable alternative. They offer reduced toxicity and biodegradability, making them ideal for sensitive applications like food packaging. Our research investigated the use of novel tartrate-based plasticizers, synthesized from glycerol and PET waste, in biodegradable active packaging. Studies showed that glycerol tritartrate significantly improved the mechanical and barrier properties of cellulose acetate (CA) and CA/polycaprolactone diol (PCL diol) blends, with a 7 wt% concentration providing an optimal balance. Additionally, a plasticizer from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and tartaric acid demonstrated a dual role as both a plasticizer and a compatibilizer, enhancing film flexibility and barrier performance at concentrations of 30% and 20%, respectively. These findings confirm the viability of using green plasticizers to create high-performance, environmentally friendly packaging materials that address the sustainability challenges posed by the plastics industry.