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Ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet photo-absorption spectra of azido (–N3)-based energetic plasticizer, bis(1,3-diazido-prop-2-yl)-malonate (abbreviated as BDAzPM), in the gas phase is recorded at room temperature and in the photon energy range of 5.5–9.9 eV using a synchrotron radiation source. Complementary computational results obtained using the time-dependent density functional theory document the vertical transition energies and oscillator strengths. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental absorption spectrum of BDAzPM reveals that the early part of the absorption spectrum of BDAzPM is of pure valence excitation character, whereas the later intense part of the absorption spectrum is dominated by mixed Rydberg and valence electronic excitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy is a common analysis for polymers. Rectangular specimens are usually used for measurement in the solid state due to their easy designing. However, in reason of the non‐symmetric shape of sample, rectangular specimens do not experience linear stress on their all body, leading to overestimation of shear modulus. Corrections are required to determine the right shear modulus. In this present work, straight shear modulus determination is carried out using specimens with a cylindrical shape. The reliability of the technique is described on a biosourced polymer materials made of thermoplastic starch, plasticized by glycerol, choline chloride/urea mixture (ChCl/U), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐imidazolium acetate ([EMIM]Ac). The technique is shown to be particularly interesting to avoid any additional shaping of the specimens prior to measurements, that can be detrimental to their properties (evaporation, degradation). A comparison between cylinder and rectangular specimen has also been made to illustrate the interest of cylinder clamping on biosourced polymer material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films have drawn significant attention owing to their potential applications in various industries. The application of wax to PVA films enhanced their resistance to dissolution and water infiltration. Nevertheless, waxed PVA films often exhibit inadequate mechanical properties owing to crack formation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of glycerol as a plasticizer in varying concentrations of Carnauba wax (CW). The addition of glycerol to the PVA/CW blend led to enhanced mechanical properties compared to the blend without glycerol. The functional group and morphology of the blends confirm glycerol compatibility with PVA/CW films. Glycerol was fully dispersed to form a consistent polymer matrix and equally improved the film's contact angle. Furthermore, the thermal property from differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis highlights the plasticizing effect of glycerol in PVA/CW films, potentially broadening their use in food packaging and wrapping applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, plastic contamination worldwide is a concerning reality that can be addressed with appropriate society education as well as looking for innovative polymeric alternatives based on the reuse of waste and recycling with a circular economy point of view, thus taking into consideration that a future world without plastic is quite impossible to conceive. In this regard, in this review, we focus on sustainable polymeric materials, biodegradable and bio-based polymers, additives, and micro/nanoparticles to be used to obtain new environmentally friendly polymeric-based materials. Although biodegradable polymers possess poorer overall properties than traditional ones, they have gained a huge interest in many industrial sectors due to their inherent biodegradability in natural environments. Therefore, several strategies have been proposed to improve their properties and extend their industrial applications. Blending strategies, as well as the development of composites and nanocomposites, have shown promising perspectives for improving their performances, emphasizing biopolymeric blend formulations and bio-based micro and nanoparticles to produce fully sustainable polymeric-based materials. The Review also summarizes recent developments in polymeric blends, composites, and nanocomposite plasticization, with a particular focus on naturally derived plasticizers and their chemical modifications to increase their compatibility with the polymeric matrices. The current state of the art of the most important bio-based and biodegradable polymers is also reviewed, mainly focusing on their synthesis and processing methods scalable to the industrial sector, such as melt and solution blending approaches like melt-extrusion, injection molding, film forming as well as solution electrospinning, among others, without neglecting their degradation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective type of polymer heat-insulating material (foams) based on reactive oligomers is casting epoxy foams with high technological and operational parameters. However, polyepoxide foams are highly flammable, which significantly restrains their application in the construction industry. The aim of this work was to develop effective methods for reducing the flammability of filling epoxy foams. In order to achieve the objective, the following objectives were addressed: determining the influence of the chemical nature and content of additive and reactive bromine- and phosphorus-containing compounds on the thermal stability, flammability and operational properties of filling epoxy foams, and the development of polyepoxy foams of reduced flammability with high-quality physical and mechanical characteristics. When estimating the flammability of epoxy foams, we used both state-approved methods and the methods described in scientific and technical literature. The thermal properties of epoxy foams were studied with the help of multimodular thermoanalytical complex DuPont-9900. The data on the influence of the apparent density of foams and oxygen concentration in the oxidant flow on the flame propagation speed on the horizontal surface of polyepoxy foams are presented. It was revealed that the chemical nature of amine hardeners does not affect the thermal stability and flammability of epoxy foams. It was established that phosphate plasticizers are ineffective flame retardants of foamed epoxy resin, and the chemical structure of additive organobromic flame retardants insignificantly affects their efficiency. It was shown that microencapsulated flame retardants are inferior in flame retardant efficiency to additive flame retardants. It was found that effective flame retardants for casting polyepoxy foams are phosphorus-containing oligoether methacrylate and epoxidized waste from the production of tetrabromodiphenylpropane. The results of this research will form the basis for the production of an experimental industrial batch of samples of pouring epoxy foams of reduced flammability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely employed plastic across diverse industries and is often associated with plasticizers, additives that decrease the inherent rigidity and brittleness of the material. Conventional phthalate‐based plasticizers raise substantial toxicity concerns, encouraging the exploration of bio‐based alternatives. One such alternative is the inedible oil, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), mainly composed of cardanol and cardol. Recent efforts have focused on developing a cardanol‐based PVC plasticizers but the isolation of cardanol involves time‐consuming, energy‐intensive, and costly steps, limiting its market competitiveness. This study aims to assess for the first time, the efficiency of cardol esters, synthesized using acetic acid and different fatty acids (octanoic acid and myristic acid), in order to evaluate the influence of the alkyl chain on plasticizer properties. The chemical structures of these plasticizers were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of PVC films plasticized with these additives were investigated. Finally, the endocrine activity was evaluated for cardol and cardanol acetates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticizers are core components utilized in plastics processing. They are additives applied to improve and, in some cases, make possible the processing of a polymer. Thus, plasticizers have an impact on lowering production costs, improving productivity, and other properties of the polymer. Yet, there are issues related to the toxicity of phthalic-based components used in traditional plasticizers. One of the emerging alternatives consists of using raw materials from bio-renewable sources that have low toxicity, are more readily available, and are mostly biodegradable. Such starting raw materials can be used for the synthesis of bio-plasticizers which can serve as a feasible alternative to traditional ones. The large number of raw materials from renewable sources along with their chemical versatility offers a broad variety of reactions that can be performed to obtain various bio-plasticizers that can present efficiencies that are comparable to or even surpass those of petrochemical-based ones. Following that, this review is divided into five parts. First, the introduction provides the main concepts, importance, and progress of the development of bio-plasticizers. The second part covers the main types of plasticizers, compounds utilized, and commercially available bio-plasticizers. The third part discusses the mechanism involved with plasticization and how that process can be improved based on the plasticizer's chemical structure. The fourth part covers the main advantages of bio-plasticizers and the benefits they can offer for manufacturing. Lastly, the future perspectives and challenges within the field are discussed. Through that, this review provides detailed discussions covering the main aspects related to bio-plasticizers to facilitate the readers' understanding of the main concepts while also providing a vast number of reports from the recent literature to aid them in the generation of novel ideas. In this way, readers can potentially have novel insights to tackle the main current challenges related to the use of plasticizers in polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastic is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly material because it uses natural materials in the form of plant fibers. The plants with high fiber content can be converted to cellulose acetate as a raw material for bioplastics. Durian skin is a biomass waste that has the potential to be a raw material for bioplastics. Cellulosebased bioplastics are generally made by adding adhesives, plasticizers, and fillers. In this study, the manufacture of bioplastics used the cellulose acetate from durian skin with variations of plasticizer concentration, plasticizer type, starch adhesive, and chitosan. Glycerol and sorbitol were used as plasticizers with variations in concentration of 20%, 30%, and 40%. The mass ratio of cellulose and starch used was 1.5:1. Bioplastics were produced by adding chitosan, starch, and variations of plasticizers in each concentration which were achieved varying values in tensile strength, water absorption, density values, elongation values, Young's modulus, degradability, and different bioplastic surface structures. The best bioplastic result is bioplastic with 20% sorbitol concentration for a density of 0.852 g/mL, water absorption of 45.99%, tensile strength of 613.12 Kpa, elongation of 2.35%, and Young's modulus of 26090.21 Kpa. In addition, the degradation time without landfill has met the Indonesian National Standard (INS) for 45 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Independently‐manipulated optical encryption has attracted great attention due to its high security and multiple application scenarios. Although photochromic molecules have become preferred holographic display units, the integration of dynamic modulation both in hologram and fluorescence for orthogonal encryption is still challenged. Herein, a latticed holographically steganographic array is constructed by incorporating a plasticizer (tri‐o‐cresyl phosphate, TOCP) into spirooxazine (SO) based polymers, thereby modulating the isomerization rate and the UV‐fluorescence kinetics between SO and merocyanine (MC). The period to reach fluorescence saturated value for each information bit in the latticed device can be widely modulated between 60 and 1700 s. Based on the property, only through ultraviolet stimulation can array information gradually be converted from spatial lattice coordinates to holographic display time. Then, a hidden 3D image can be determined from rapidly updatable reconstructed hologram video with refresh rate 1.125 Hz by the above spatiotemporal dual‐encryption keys. This work provides a bright path for the ultra‐high safety steganography and adaptive stereoscopic imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films with excellent mechanical performances and high transparency, the demand for antistatic properties is becoming increasingly urgent in textile and electronic fields. This study compares the effects of 60 phr bis (2‐(2‐butoxyethoxy) ethyl) adipate (DBEEA) with other five equal amounts of plasticizers on the conductivity, electrical stability, transparency, and mechanical properties of plasticized PVC. The infrared spectra of plasticizers indicate that there are unique ether groups exist in DBEEA. Then the calculated solubility parameters suggest the good compatibility between DBEEA and PVC. For conductivity, the volume resistivity and surface resistivity of the PVC sample with DBEEA (PVC/DBEEA) are 107 Ω· m and 1010 Ω, respectively, which are both lower by 3–4 orders of magnitude than that of other plasticized PVC. For electrical stability, the results indicate that PVC/DBEEA placed in air still maintains lowest resistivities. Under 10, 23, and 30°C, PVC/DBEEA keeps high and stable electrical properties. The similar refractive indices of DBEEA and PVC resin prepared by suspension method indicate good transparency for PVC/DBEEA. Moreover, PVC/DBEEA still has good mechanical property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations in chewable dosage forms provide solutions for swallowing difficulties faced by certain patient populations. Chewable softgel capsules (SGC) offer opportunities to expand the benefits of SGC, excelling in the delivery of lipid‐based formulations by optimizing the mechanical properties of the shell material without compromising industrial‐scale manufacturing. This study employs an original approach, with a target product profile that aims to combine processability and chewability, to develop optimized chewable dosage forms. Through a mixture design of experiments, key factors such as plasticizer content and the addition of acid‐modified thin‐boiling corn starch are explored, focusing on response parameters critical to achieving the desired properties of the capsule shell material. Optimal shell compositions—one starch‐free and another containing 9% w/w starch, with respective gelatin/non‐volatile plasticizer ratios of 0.81 and 0.67 are determined and evaluated by manufacturing chewable SGC at pilot scale using rotary die technology. The successful manufacturing and resulting capsules, which exhibit the intended properties, highlight the efficiency of this approach in striking the right balance between processability, soft texture, and quick disintegration time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the ways to turn concrete into smart concrete involves the incorporation of conductive fillers. These fillers should be evenly distributed in the matrix to enable the charge propagation necessary for sensing. To homogenize the mixture, typical surface-active chemical compounds are routinely employed. Unfortunately, their presence often negatively impacts the characteristics of concrete. In this work, we show that conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be included in the concrete matrix by using off-the-shelf lignosulfonate-based plasticizers. These plasticizers showed a much-improved capability to disperse MWCNTs compared to other routinely used surfactants. They also prevented a significant deterioration of the consistency of the mixture and inhibited the acceleration of the hydration process by MWCNTs. In concretes with MWCNTs and lignosulfonate-based plasticizers, the mechanical properties were largely preserved, while the nanocomposite became electrically conductive. Consequently, it enabled evaluation of the condition of the material by electrical impedance measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-Ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) is used to reveal the micro-structural changes of banana pseudostem nanocellulose bioplastic due to a biodegradation process initiated in a formulated composting media that allowed the growth of aerobic microflora. The bioplastic itself was made of nanocellulose, which was isolated from banana pseudostem using the 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) mediated oxidation method, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticiser. XCT provided insights into the 3D structural change of the bioplastic identifying the degradation process at two scales. The results showed that the local thickness and roughness of the bioplastic increased after degradation, while the density of the material decreased. Enlarged voids and tunnels were observed in the material after degradation. The formation of these tunnels is attributed to the popping of internal PEG-containing voids because of the generation of gases, which after forming may further accelerate biodegradation by microbial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to developing structural sodium batteries capable of operating in ambient-temperature conditions has been successfully achieved. The developed multifunctional structural electrolyte (SE) using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a matrix integrated with succinonitrile (SN) plasticizers and glass-fiber (GF) reinforcements identified as GF_PEO-SN-NaClO4 showed a tensile strength of 32.1 MPa and an ionic conductivity of 1.01 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature. It displayed a wide electrochemical stability window of 0 to 4.9 V and a high sodium-ion transference number of 0.51 at room temperature. The structural electrode (CF|SE) was fabricated by pressing the structural electrolyte with carbon fibers (CFs), and it showed a tensile strength of 72.3 MPa. The fabricated structural battery half-cell (CF||SE||Na) demonstrated good cycling stability and an energy density of 14.2 Wh kg−1, and it retained 80% capacity at the end of the 200th cycle. The cycled electrodes were observed using scanning electron microscopy, which revealed small dendrite formation and dense albeit uniform deposition of the sodium metal, helping to avoid a short-circuit of the cell and providing more cycling stability. The developed multifunctional matrix composites demonstrate promising potential for developing ambient-temperature sodium structural batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticizers like dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are widely employed to achieve the progressive burning properties for oblate spherical propellants. A plasticizer can only plasticize nitrocellulose (NC) with a specific nitrogen content. Here, we tried to investigate the effect of nitrogen distribution uniformity on DBP deterrence process. Four nitrocellulose samples with different nitrogen distributions uniformity were chosen by a polarized microscope. The physical compatibility of NC with DBP was enhanced by decreasing both nitrogen content and nitrogen distribution uniformity. Raman spectroscopy proved that two deterred oblate spherical propellants possessed different permeation depths. The group contribution method revealed that low-nitrogen nitrocellulose was easier dissolved by DBP, contributing to the deeper permeation at the surface. Closed bomb test results further revealed that the oblate spherical propellants with deeper permeation depths had superior progressive burning properties and aging resistance. This study offers a new method to enhance the progressive burning properties and aging resistance of deterred oblate spherical propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the commonly used phthalate plasticizers have adverse effects on the environment and health, there is a need to develop plasticizers with renewable material sources, non-toxic synthesis, and high plasticizing efficiency. In this study, an eco-friendly bio-based plasticizer, ALCE with excellent migration resistance was synthesized using linoleic acid (LA) and cinnamyl alcohol (CA) from biomass. The composition of ALCE was characterized and confirmed using FTIR and 1H NMR. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and migration resistance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films plasticized with ALCE were compared to those plasticized with conventional plasticizers di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP). The plasticizing mechanism of ALCE was elucidated through quantum chemical calculations. The initial decomposition temperature of ALCE-50 was found to be 43.66 °C higher than that of DOTP-50, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications. In tensile testing, PVC films containing 50 phr of ALCE exhibited an elongation at a break of 730.25%, demonstrating superior mechanical properties. Migration experiments also revealed that the migration quantities of ALCE were lower than those of DOP and DOTP. Overall, ALCE, as a plasticizer, enhances PVC's performance in various aspects and offers a new pathway for the development of eco-friendly plasticizers utilizing biomass resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine dust-phase phthalate levels in 112 dormitories of 14 universities during autumn and winter, investigate their potential sources, and estimate phthalate exposure via dust ingestion. Twelve phthalates were detected, among which di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) were the most abundant, followed by di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP). The median concentrations and contributions of DCHP and DEHP were the highest. The contributions of di-n-octyl phthalate and di-nonyl phthalate were higher in winter than in autumn. Potential sources included iron furniture, chemical fiber textiles, clothes, and personal care products. Medium-density fiberboard furniture is a potential sink for phthalates. In two seasons, DEHP, DCHP, DiBP, and DnBP were the main phthalates ingested by college students. The median oral exposure of ten phthalates was higher in females than in males. College students have a high risk of exposure to DEHP in dormitories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important public health issue owing to its rising global prevalence. Phthalates cause various health problems and are currently regulated in developed countries. However, studies on the impacts of low-level phthalate exposure under these regulations on T2DM are limited. This study investigated the impacts of combined and single exposures to phthalates and their alternatives on the prevalence of T2DM in 3,005 adults in the United States. The results indicated a positive joint effect of phthalate mixtures on the prevalence of T2DM. The joint effect was primarily attributed to Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, whereas the contributions of others were limited. This study suggests that, despite the stringent regulations on phthalates, low levels of phthalates, including DEHP, still have joint effects on T2DM. The findings highlight the importance of regulating hazardous phthalates and the need for safer alternatives to reduce public health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative plasticizers such as diisononyl-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DINCH), di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) are progressively replacing phthalates in many consumer and professional products because of adverse effects on reproduction associated with some phthalates. Human exposures to these phthalate substitutes can occur through ingestion, skin absorption and inhalation. Skin uptake can lead to greater concentration at the target organs compared to ingestion because the skin exposure route bypasses the first-pass effect. Skin absorption studies are almost absent for these alternative plasticizers. We therefore wanted first, to characterize skin absorption of a mixture containing DINCH, DEHA and DEHTP in vitro using a flow-through diffusion cell system with ex vivo human skin, quantifying their respective monoester metabolites (mono-isononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (MINCH), mono-2-ethylhexyl adipate (MEHA), mono-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (MEHTP), respectively); second, to validate these results by exposing five human volunteers to this mixture on their forearm and quantifying the corresponding urinary metabolites (including the monoesters and their oxidation products). Our study showed that two of these alternative plasticizers, DEHTP and DINCH, did not permeate skin showing as quantifiable metabolite levels in vitro and only traces of DEHA were quantified as its monoester metabolite, MEHA. Permeation coefficient (Kp) 0.06 and 55.8*10−7 cm/h for neat and emulsified DEHA, respectively, while the permeation rate (J) remained low for both (0.005 and 0.001 µg/cm2/h, respectively). Participants exposed to a mixture of these three plasticizers did not have noteworthy urinary concentrations of their respective metabolites after 24 hours post-application. However, the alternative plasticizer mixture was completely absorbed after six hours post-application on the forearms of the human volunteers, and the urinary elimination curves showed a slight increase after 24 hours post-application. Further studies on skin absorption of these substances should follow the urinary elimination kinetics of these metabolites more than 24 hours post-application. We also recommend quantifying the parent compounds in the in vitro diffusion experiments. [Display omitted] • Urinary excretion of DINCH monoester was slow in skin-exposed participants. • DEHTP and DEHA monoesters were not detected in urine from participants. • DEHA permeated skin in vitro as its monoester. • DEHTP and DINCH did not permeate skin in vitro as their monoesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric heaters based on functional materials and innovative designs have been developed for various applications. In this paper, we propose a soft dielectric heater (SDH) using polyvinyl chloride-gel (PVC-gel) as the dielectric heater and hydrogel as stretchable electrodes. Under an AC voltage, the leakage current in the PVC-gel leads to continuous injection and discharge of charges, causing the polarized plasticizers and flexible PVC chains to vibrate and collide, thereby generating heat through dielectric heating. Furthermore, the SDH generates a uniform temperature distribution even under strains up to 400%. Besides, high transmittance over 86% across the visible range renders it suitable for wearable or skin-mountable heaters from an esthetic viewpoint. Its capacitor-like structure achieves a scalable design, enabling extension from a singular cell to a row/column addressable and pixelated array of heaters. The 5 × 5 SDH array can deliver varied thermal information and sensations while maintaining performance even when stretched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate plasticizers are gradually restricted in PVC products due to the escalating demand for health and environmental safeguards. Here, novel poly(glycerol ester) plasticizers(PGE), were synthesized utilizing biomass-derived glycerol and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid as raw materials via an esterification condensation reaction, with n-octanoic acid serving as an end-capping agent, adjustment of reactant ratios yielded PGE-1 and PGE-0.75, subsequently evaluated for their efficacy in PVC applications. FT-IR and GPC analyses elucidated potential structures and molecular weight distributions of the plasticizers, revealing oligomeric PGE with molecular weights spanning 1000–2000 g mol−1. Mechanical properties, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical analysis, and migration resistance of PVC plasticized with PGE-1 and PGE-0.75 were compared against those employing conventional plasticizers, including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). The hyperbranched network structure and high molecular weight of PGE conferred superior thermal stability and migration resistance to the plasticized PVC samples. Notably, the T50% of PGE-1/PVC film surpassed that of films plasticized with DEHP, DOTP and ATBC by 107.92, 95.17 and 111.14 °C, respectively. The weight loss of PGE/PVC film in distilled water, anhydrous alcohol and petroleum ether was below 2 wt% during 48 h. Furthermore, the weight loss of each PVC film was below the safety value (5 wt%) during 10 d in three different food simulants. Overall, the obtained poly(glycerol ester) plasticizers exhibit promise as phthalate replacements, owing to their favourable attributes in human health and environmental protection. The poly(glycerol ester) plasticizers derived from biomass glycerol, 1,4-CHDA and n-octanoic acid exhibited superb thermal stability and migration resistance far more than commercial plasticizers in PVC, resulting from the hyperbranched network structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the health and environmental concerns associated with the plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP), this research explores the utilization of methyl oleate (MO) derived from plant oil, 1,2,4‐Benzeneticarboxylic anhydride (TMA) and isobutyric anhydride (IA) as a precursor for synthesizing a hyperbranched polyester named IA‐MO‐TMA. This polyester serves as an alternative plasticizer for Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The chemical structure of IA‐MO‐TMA was thoroughly characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectra, and its molecular weight was assessed. The PVC film, plasticized with IA‐MO‐TMA, underwent comprehensive testing using techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Notably, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the plasticized PVC film exhibited a significant reduction from 75°C to −6.7°C. The plasticized film demonstrated an elongation at break of 318.1%, a tensile strength of 19.2 MPa, and a plasticizing efficiency of 109.9%. Moreover, the use of IA‐MO‐TMA as a plasticizer increased the initial decomposition temperature of PVC film from 235.6 to 264.1°C. Additionally, the extraction rate of IA‐MO‐TMA in petroleum ether was found to be 35.6% lower than that of DOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural fibers has seen a significant rise in the composites sector, resulting in the creation of polymer composites with exceptional strength. These environmentally-friendly alternatives offer a compelling substitute for synthetic composites. This study explores the use of date palm waste as reinforcement for the fabrication of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites. A surface modification method was essential for improving the binding interaction between palm fibers and PVC composites. The two-hour benzoyl chloride treatment at 140 °C played a crucial role. The study examined the effects of hydrothermal aging on mechanical properties of composites, using various techniques such as surface morphology analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis, on composites made of untreated fibers and those treated with benzoyl chloride. Although the treatment of palm fiber-reinforced composites with benzoyl chloride improved their mechanical properties, it is crucial to note that hydrothermal aging reduced their tensile strength by 10%. Despite this, these composites prove to be well-suited for applications requiring moderate strength and stiffness in mild environmental conditions. These composites, while utilizing benzoyl chloride for surface treatment, still represent a more sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic composites by incorporating renewable date palm waste and enhancing mechanical properties, which potentially reduces overall environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been established that the variation in the conductance of insulation made with materials of various chemical nature and physical structure (polyvinyl chloride plastic compound and varnished cambric) with a short-term exposure to a mold fungus has an S-shaped character. The unambiguous correlation of the induction period, the stage of rapid increase and the time to reach the quasi-stationary level of conductance with the induction period, the stage of rapid growth, the time to reach the maximum amount of biomass on the surface of the material is due to the sorption by isolation of the metabolic products of the mold fungus. The variation in conductance at short times of exposure to microorganisms (~ 1 month) is reversible. Removal of microorganisms from the surface leads to a decrease in conductance to its original level. With their longer exposure (~ 1 year), the change in conductance may become irreversible as a result of the biochemical decomposition of insulation components, in particular, dialkyl phthalates - polyvinyl chloride plasticizers. Features of the processes of changes in conductance are due to the duration of the growth of microorganisms, the nature of materials and their components. The growth of microorganisms depends primarily on temperature and humidity conditions. For materials with high water absorption (varnished cambric), the most important external factor is temperature, and for materials with low water absorption (polyvinyl chloride) – relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Phthalates and their replacements have been implicated as developmental toxicants. Young children may be exposed to phthalates/replacements when using skin care products (SCPs). OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to assess the associations between use of SCPs and children’s urinary phthalate/replacement metabolite concentrations. METHODS: Children (4–8 years old) from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes-Fetal Growth Study (ECHO-FGS) cohort provided spot urine samples from 2017 to 2019, and mothers were queried about children’s SCP use in the past 24 h (푛=906). Concentrations of 16 urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (푛=630). We used linear regression to estimate the child’s use of different SCPs as individual predictors of urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites, adjusted for urinary specific gravity, age, sex assigned at birth, body mass index, and self-reported race/ethnic identity, as well as maternal education, and season of specimen collection. We created self-organizing maps (SOM) to group children into “exposure profiles” that reflect discovered patterns of use for multiple SCPs. RESULTS: Children had lotions applied (43.0%) frequently, but “2-in-1” hair-care products (7.5%), sunscreens (5.9%), and oils (4.3%) infrequently. Use of lotions was associated with 1.17-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.34] greater mono-benzyl phthalate and oils with 2.86-fold (95% CI: 1.89, 4.31) greater monoethyl phthalate (MEP), 1.43-fold (95% CI: 1.09, 1.90) greater monobutyl phthalate (MBP), and 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.22, 1.61) greater low-molecular-weight phthalates (LMW). Use of 2-in-1 haircare products was associated with 0.84-fold (95% CI: 0.72, 0.97) and 0.78-fold (95% CI: 0.62, 0.98) lesser mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) and MBP, respectively. Child’s race/ethnic identity modified the associations of lotions with LMW, oils with MEP and LMW, sunscreen with MCPP, ointments with MEP, and hair conditioner with MCPP. SOM identified four distinct SCP-use exposure scenarios (i.e., profiles) within our population that predicted 1.09-fold (95% CI: 1.03, 1.15) greater mono-carboxy isononyl phthalate, 1.31-fold (95% CI: 0.98, 1.77) greater mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl terephthalate, 1.13-fold (95% CI: 0.99, 1.29) greater monoethylhexyl phthalate, and 1.04-fold (95% CI: 1.00, 1.09) greater diethylhexyl phthalate. DISCUSSION: We found that reported SCP use was associated with urinary phthalate/replacement metabolites in young children. These results may inform policymakers, clinicians, and parents to help limit children’s exposure to developmental toxicants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paramagnetic A3B-type Mn(III)-porphyrin was synthesized and characterized by physical–chemical methods (UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy). The obtained compound was tested as a sensitive material for the spectrophotometric and potentiometric detection of iodine species. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, the triiodide anions could be detected with high precision in the concentration interval of 1.02 × 10−5 to 2.3 × 10−5 M, with an LOD of 9.44 × 10−6 M. The PVC-based electrode using DOP as a plasticizer showed a sensitivity toward iodide in a wide concentration range of 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−1 M, with an LOD of 8.0 × 10−6 M. Both methods are simple, low-cost, and efficient for the detection of iodine species in synthetic samples and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the association between phthalates and total vitamin D levels and the link between phthalates exposure and subclinical inflammation using monocyte percentage to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), utilizing three National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey cycles 2013-2018. This study is cross-sectional, utilizing one-time urine samples from randomly selected NHANES participants to assess phthalate metabolites. An inverse association between vitamin D and all Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites was found. The molar sum of DEHP metabolites was inversely associated with vitamin D (β −2.329; 95% CI −3.937,−0.720). An inverse association was observed between monocarboxynonyl phthalate and vitamin D (β −0.0278; 95% CI −0.0527,−0.00298). A similar relationship was found between monocarboxyoctyl phthalate and vitamin D (β −0.0160; 95% CI −0.0242,−0.00775). There was no association between phthalate metabolites and MHR. Stratified analysis showed that the association between phthalate metabolites and MHR may vary according to vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of alkali-activated slag (AAS) face challenges such as poor workability, rapid setting, and high autogenous shrinkage, which require chemical admixtures (CAs) to adjust the performance of AAS. Unfortunately, there are limited specific CAs available to tune AAS properties. To address this gap, this study proposes using a ubiquitous, naturally occurring compound, L-ascorbic acid (LAA), as a multifunctional performanceenhancing additive for AAS to overcome the major challenges of AAS. The findings showed that LAA can function as a retarder, plasticizer, strength enhancer, and autogenous shrinkage reducer for AAS. When 0.5% LAA was added, the compressive strengths of AAS mortars at 3 and 28 days increased by 28.9% and 19.6%, respectively, and the 28-day autogenous shrinkage decreased by 43.1%. Both surface adsorption and ion complexation have been confirmed as the working mechanisms of LAA in hydrated AAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials has driven the exploration of biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of starch-based films plasticized with varying concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. Cornstarch films were prepared with glycerol and sorbitol plasticizers in different ratios, and their physical characteristics, including swelling index, water solubility, and thermal stability, were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. The results indicate that the incorporation of plasticizers significantly influenced the films' properties. Films with higher glycerol content exhibited greater flexibility and solubility, while sorbitol-plasticized films showed enhanced thermal stability. The combination of both plasticizers yielded films with balanced properties suitable for food packaging applications. This study demonstrates the potential of glycerol and sorbitol as effective plasticizers in developing biodegradable starch-based films, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylic resins are one of the most important thermoplastic resins used in various industries due to their significant properties. However, they are inherently brittle and the addition of plasticizers to them is very common. In this study, the role of both Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Triacetin on the mechanical properties of acrylic resin has been investigated. To do so, tensile test, bending, and wear tests have been performed. To achieve the optimal mixture of plasticizers, a tensile test has been carried out, and the best percentage of the mixture has been determined. Subsequently, bending and wear tests were conducted, which showed a significant increase in the bending strength of the acrylic resin after the addition of plasticizers. Furthermore, it was found that the abrasion mechanism of the resin was significantly altered compared to its pure state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the use of novel biobased plasticizers prepared starting from citric acid (CA) in polylactic acid (PLA). Citric acid based plasticizers are well-known softeners for PLA, with citrate esters as the most commonly used class. However, citrate esters are known to leach out of the plastic material over time. This problem is currently addressed by acetylating the tertiary hydroxyl group of citric acid via complex and environmentally polluting processes. An alternative strategy consists in the reductive removal of the tertiary hydroxyl group, resulting in propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid. Derivatizing this compound leads to novel plasticizers which have not been tested in PLA yet. Here, different esters of propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid were synthesized and blended in PLA. Their influence on the thermal (Tg and Tm) and the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, stress and strain) of PLA along with their migration out of the material were compared to those of commercially available citric acid based plasticizers. Our results show that similar or better results were obtained with these new PLA plasticizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex formulations based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) were studied to statistically assess the effect of formulation (i.e., hydroxyvalerate (HV) content, plasticiser chemistry and content, filler type and content) on their thermal properties and degree of crystallinity (Xc). In binary systems, thermal properties were mainly influenced by filler type rather than its content, while for plasticised systems the changes were dependent on both increasing plasticiser content and PHB-plasticiser compatibility. Variations in HV content affected the ability of the polymer chain to fold, leading to significant changes in both thermal properties and Xc. In ternary systems, presence of multiple additives and consequent changes in intermolecular interactions lead to multifaceted behaviours that were not easily predicted by results from binary systems alone. For example, melting temperature did not show dependence on filler presence in PHBV systems despite introducing variations in pure PHB systems. In general, thermal properties and Xc are affected by all parameters studied, with changes in system free volume (i.e. changes in HV content and plasticisation) playing the most significant role. These results expand the understanding of factors controlling crystallisation in complex polymer systems and can be used to control matrix properties in new generations of packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: In eggs, the albumen and yolk undergo physicochemical changes during storage, which will decrease egg quality. Several factors can contribute to the loss of egg quality (such as temperature, humidity, duration of storage, thin eggshell, age of the flock). Coatings are a tool that can help maintain egg quality during long storage periods. The standard composition of egg coatings includes polysaccharides, lipids, proteins and polyols that can be used as plasticising substances and incorporated to induce flexibility in films. Glycerol is the most commonly used plasticiser in egg coatings due to its abundance and relatively low cost. However, other substances have demonstrated better results when added to coatings to extend the shelf life of eggs. Few studies have investigated the relationship between polyol plasticisers and the different bases for preparing coatings. Furthermore, little discussion exists about which levels should be incorporated into the egg-coating solution. The real impact of using polyols in egg coatings still has some gaps. This review gives an overview of the current use of polyols and trends in developing new egg coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stages of development of adhesive polyvinyl chloride plastisols at the Research Institute of Polymers in 1970–1990 are considered, as well as modern developments to increase the adhesive strength of polyvinyl chloride plastisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative and renewable polymers and additives are the focus of increased research due to public and environmental pressure. There has been a recent uptick in interest from scientists in biobased "green" plasticizers that can be covalently bonded to replace harmful and migratory phthalate‐based plasticizers. Vegetable oils (VOs) are one of the biosources, as they are both plentiful and sustainable. This review aims to highlight the synthesis methods for soy‐based polyesters. Therefore, the chemistry of soybean oil as a polymeric material and its role in the synthesis of polyesters derived from soybeans are the primary topics of this review. This review covers the many ways in which soybean oil and its derivatives can be used to synthesize polyester, either directly or indirectly. Highlights: The need for sustainable polymers is explored.Soybean oil‐based polyesters are covered.Modification and chemistry to convert soybean oil into polyester are described.Applications of soybean‐based polyesters are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

为了调查市售核桃油中氯丙醇酯、缩水甘油酯（GEs）以及邻苯二甲酸酯类塑化剂（PAEs）等污染物的污染水平和来源，对30个市售核桃油样品中3-氯-1，2-丙二醇酯（3-MCPDE）、2-氯-1，3-丙二醇酯（2-MCPDE）、GEs以及18种PAEs含量进行测定，并进行膳食暴露评估，同时，通过测定核桃油精炼过程中这些污染物的含量变化分析其来源。结果表明：30个市售核桃油样品中有22个样品检出氯丙醇酯或GEs，28个样品检出PAEs；3-MCPDE含量范围为未检出~1 259.86 μg/kg，检出率为70.00%，平均值为414.34 μg/kg，中位数为37276 μg/kg；2-MCPDE含量范围为未检出~717.82 μg/kg，检出率为6.67%；GEs含量范围为未检出~803.64 μg/kg，检出率为3.33%；PAEs中邻苯二甲酸二正丁酯（DBP）含量范围为未检出~3.39 mg/kg，平均值为056 mg/kg，中位数为0.47 mg/kg，超标率为56.7%，邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基)己酯(DEHP)含量范围为未检出~11.64 mg/kg，平均值为1.53 mg/kg，中位数为0.60 mg/kg；超标率为30.0%，邻苯二甲酸二异壬酯(DINP)含量范围为未检出~6.10 mg/kg，无超标情况。膳食暴露评估结果表明，目前市售核桃油中3-MCPDE、DBP、DEHP的含量均处于安全水平，引起健康危害的风险较低。通过对核桃原油及精炼过程中核桃油的氯丙醇酯、GEs以及PAEs含量检测分析发现，PAEs主要来源于制油过程的外源迁移，氯丙醇酯以及GEs是精炼过程中的产物。随着脱臭温度的提高，PAEs含量降低，而氯丙醇酯以及GEs含量却急剧升高，说明精炼工艺与这些污染物的水平密切相关。综上，在核桃油生产中需要严格把控核桃原料的质量，同时改进和优化精炼工艺，以控制核桃油中氯丙醇酯、GEs以PAEs等污染物水平，提高核桃油品质。In order to investigate the pollution level and source of chloropropanol esters, glycidyl esters (GEs) and phthalates (PAEs) in commercial walnut oil, the contents of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol ester (3-MCPDE), 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol ester (2-MCPDE), GEs and 18 PAEs in 30 batches of commercial walnut oil were analyzed and detected, and dietary exposure assessment was performed. The sources of these pollutants were analyzed by measuring the changes in the contents of these pollutants during the refining process. The results showed that among 30 commercial walnut oils, chloropropanol esters or GEs were detected in 22 samples, and PAEs were detected in 28 samples. The range of 3-MCPDE content in commercial walnut oil was from undetected to 1 259.86 μg/kg, with an detection rate of 70.00%, an average of 414.34 μg/kg and a median of 372.76 μg/kg. The content of 2-MCPDE ranged from undetected to 717.82 μg/kg, with an detection rate of 6.67%. The content range of GEs was from undetected to 803.64 μg/kg, with an detection rate of 3.33%. The content of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in PAEs ranged from undetected to 3.39 mg/kg, with an average of 0.56 mg/kg, a median of 0.47 mg/kg, and an exceeding rate of 56.7%. The content of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) ranged from undetected to 11.64 mg/kg, with an average of 1.53 mg/kg, a median of 0.60 mg/kg, and an exceeding rate of 30.0%. The content range of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) was from undetected to 6.10 mg/kg, and there was no exceeding standard. The results of dietary exposure assessment showed that the contents of 3-MCPDE, DBP and DEHP in commercial walnut oil were at a safe level, and the risk of health hazards was low. Through the detection and analysis of the content of chloropropanol esters, GEs and PAEs in crude walnut oil and refined oil in different refining stage, it was found that PAEs were mainly derived from the exogenous migration of the oil production process. In contrast, chloropropanol esters and GEs were products in the refining process. With the increase of deodorization temperature, the content of PAEs decreased, while the content of chloropropanol esters and GEs increased sharply. The refining process was closely related to the level of these pollutants. To sum up, it is necessary to strictly control the quality of walnut raw materials, improve and optimize the refining process, so as to control the levels of chloropropanol esters, GEs and PAEs, and improve the quality of walnut oil.

Acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were synthesized using a solvent‐free ultraviolet‐induced polymerization method. The monomers n‐(isobutoxymethyl) acrylamide, 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate and an initiator, hydroxy dimethyl acetophenone, were used to prepare acrylic copolymers as prepolymers. A multifunctional monomer, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, was added to form a semi‐interpenetrating network, leading to an increase in the modulus and elasticity of the prepolymer. This decreased the peel strength, which is suitable for temporary protective films. Rheological data from small‐amplitude oscillatory shear measurements also revealed consistent results suitable for removable PSAs. The plasticizers, such as dioctyl phthalate and dioctyl terephthalate, possessing favorable interactions with the main resins were found to exhibit transparency, clear debonding, and ultralow release, which are essential features for temporary protective films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the levels of six PAEs [bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)] were determined from four types of bottled water)non-carbonated, mineral, carbonated and carbonated flavoured) using MSPE method (magnetic solid phase extraction) and GC/MS technique (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). The mean concentration of total PAEs was 6.11 ± 1.43 µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP was 2.22 ± 0.76 µg/L and was lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6 μg/L for DEHP). The highest mean level of total PAE was observed in carbonated water (7.43 ± 2.03 μg/L) and the lowest mean level of total PAE was observed in non-carbonated water (5.15 ± 0.41 μg/L). The Monte Carlo method was applied to calculate the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), and Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) indexes. In all samples, the rank order of the estimated THQ values based on the 95% percentile was DEHP (4.77E-4) > DBP (2.25E-5) > BBP (1.99E-5) > DEP (2.75E-6) and there would be unlikely non-carcinogenic risks for consumers (THQ<1). The incremental lifetime cancer risk assessment revealed that phthalate esters (DEHP) in evaluated bottled water samples did not pose a serious concern to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-phthalate plasticizers are being increasingly used in commercial and consumer products, to replace phthalates. Among major non-phthalate plasticizer groups, we chose five alternative plasticizers of DEHA, DINCH, DEHTP, ATBC, and TOTM, and conducted a systematic literature review for current knowledge on their use and occurrences in major sources, and their exposure and endocrine outcomes in humans. Relevant articles published between January 2000 and December 2022 were identified from PubMed and Scopus search and analyzed. For occurrence, biomonitoring, and endocrine-related outcomes, 79, 73, and 14 studies were finally identified, respectively. The alternative plasticizers were widely used in food packaging, children's products, hygiene products, medical devices, and construction materials, and frequently detected in indoor dust. Food packaging materials and children's products were major sources of direct exposure to humans. Human exposure to alternative plasticizers is reported mostly via biomonitoring of urine. Urinary levels of DEHTP and DINCH metabolites were higher among infants, children, and pregnant women than in general adults. In humans, DEHTP, DINCH, or ATBC exposure were associated with sex hormone disruption and reproductive outcomes, but these associations varied by sex and age. This review showed that the use of and exposure to these alternative plasticizers have increased over time. Their potential health implications, especially among susceptible humans, warrant greater attention and further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategic importance of developing environmentally friendly PVC biomass plasticizers with excellent anti-migration and plasticizing effects cannot be overstated. This paper delves into the synthesis and application of bio-based isosorbide di-epoxidized oleate (IDEO) as a secondary biomass plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. Explored were the synergistic effects between IDEO and dioctyl phthalate (DOP), alongside an assessment of the influence of the compound plasticizer on the properties of PVC products. The partial substitution of DOP resulted in PVC films with improved thermal stability, flexibility, and migration resistance. IDEO-10/PVC, in particular, exhibited a 64% increase in tensile strength compared to DOP/PVC and maintained thermal stabilization for over 280 min at 180 °C. With a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 33 °C, a plasticizing efficiency of 148%, and excellent cold resistance properties, IDEO-10/PVC outperformed DOP/PVC. IDEO-10/PVC migration resistance was significantly lower than in the original PVC resin with only DOP plasticizers under three different polar conditions. Transmittance remained above 87% after 10 days of UV irradiation. Molecular dynamics simulation further confirmed the synergistic plasticizing effect between IDEO and DOP at an IDEO addition of 10 phr. The environmentally friendly approach holds significant promise for the scaled-up application of PVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates, such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-isopentyl phthalate (DiPeP), are pollutants with a high potential for endocrine disruption. This study aimed to evaluate parameters of endocrine disruption in specimens of the Neotropical fish Rhamdia quelen exposed to DBP and DiPeP through their food. After 30 days of exposure, the fish were anesthetized and then euthanized, and blood, hypothalamus, liver, and gonads were collected. DBP caused statistically significant alterations in the serotoninergic system of males (5 and 25 ng/g) and females (5 ng/g) of R. quelen and it increased testosterone levels in females (25 ng/g). DiPeP significantly altered the dopaminergic system in females, reduced plasma estradiol levels (125 ng/g) and hepatic vitellogenin expression (25 ng/g), and changed the antioxidant system in gonads (125 ng/g). The results suggest that DBP and DiPeP may have different response patterns in females, with the former being androgenic and the latter being anti-estrogenic. These findings provide additional evidence regarding the molecular events involving DBP and DiPeP in the endocrine disruption potential in juvenile specimens of Rhamdia quelen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing eco-friendly polymeric plasticizers with excellent migration resistance is one of the research hotspots in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry. A low-molecular-weight biobased polyester rubber (LMW-BPR) was synthesized from five biobased polyester monomers in a 100-L reactor and evaluated as a potential eco-friendly polymeric plasticizer for PVC. The obtained LMW-BPR is an amorphous polyester material with a low glass transition temperature of -48°C and a molecular weight of 22 kg/mol, which is lower than that of existing polyester rubber but higher than those of most polyester plasticizer commodities. Plasticized PVC composites with a total plasticizer content of 50 phr were prepared by using the mixture of LMW-BPR and di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH, an eco-friendly monomeric plasticizer commodity) as the plasticizer. The migration resistance test showed that the migration loss of plasticizer in plasticized PVC composite decreased significantly with the increase of LMW-BPR content. When the content of LMW-BPR reaches 30 phr, the plasticized PVC composites are almost nonmigratory. In addition, compared with PVC composite plasticized by pure DINCH, co-plasticized PVC composites containing LMW-BPR exhibit higher tensile strength and thermal stability, and their flexibility, low-temperature resistance and biocompatibility are also maintained at a similar level to the former. Overall, LMW-BPR is an effective eco-friendly polymeric plasticizer for PVC and also sustainable and scalable, thus it is worthy of wide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A UV‐ and thermo‐responsive polyurethane‐acrylate prepolymer was synthesized from palm olein (POo) via a non‐isocyanate route. The process included epoxidation of POo, carbonation of epoxidized palm olein (EPOo) into polycyclic carbonate in a solvent‐free and mild condition (100°C, 1 atm), followed by reacting with ethylene diamine and acrylic acid. The chemical structure of the non‐isocyanate polyurethane‐acrylate (NIPUA) prepolymer was elucidated by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while weight average molecular weight of NIPUA was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The NIPUA (0–20 wt%) was incorporated with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as a plasticizer and cured under UV light and thermal stimulations. The cured NIPUA/TPE films were characterized by FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength test. Under UV and thermal stimulations, the NIPUA/TPE demonstrated enhanced tensile properties (elongation at break >1280%, Young's modulus ~25 MPa), thermal properties (lower Tg), lower water contact angle, and shortened curing time as compared with the blank TPE. The 20 wt% NIPUA/TPE films exhibited susceptibility to enzymatic biodegradation and noncytotoxic to HEK 293 cells in vitro, demonstrated it's potential as a UV‐ and thermo‐responsive plasticizer for TPE in manufacturing of medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are flame retardants and plasticizers used in consumer products. OPEs are found ubiquitously throughout the environment with high concentrations in indoor house dust. Exposure to individual OPEs is associated with immune dysfunction, particularly in macrophages. However, OPEs exist as complex mixtures and the effects of environmentally relevant mixtures on the immune system have not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the toxicity of an environmentally relevant mixture of OPEs that models Canadian house dust on macrophages using phenotypic and functional assessments in vitro. METHODS: High-content live-cell fluorescent imaging for phenotypic biomarkers of toxicity in THP-1 macrophages treated with the OPE mixture was undertaken. We used confocal microscopy and cholesterol analysis to validate and expand on the observed OPE-induced lipid phenotype. Then, we used flow cytometry and live-cell imaging to conduct functional tests and uncover mechanisms of OPE-induced phagocytic suppression. Finally, we validated our THP-1 findings in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) derived macrophages. RESULTS: Exposure to non-cytotoxic dilutions of the OPE mixture resulted in higher oxidative stress and disrupted lysosome and lipid homeostasis in THP-1 and primary macrophages. We further observed that phagocytosis of apoptotic cells in THP-1 and primary macrophages was lower in OPE-exposed cells vs. controls. In THP-1 macrophages, phagocytosis of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was also lower in OPE-exposed cells vs. controls. Additionally, the OPE mixture altered the expression of phagocytic receptors linked to the recognition of phosphatidylserine and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. DISCUSSION: The results of this in vitro study suggested that exposure to an environmentally relevant mixture of OPEs resulted in higher lipid retention in macrophages and poor efferocytic response. These effects could translate to enhanced foam cell generation resulting in higher cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, bacterial phagocytosis was lower in OPE-exposed macrophages in an in vitro setting, which may indicate the potential for reduced bacterial clearance in models of infections. Taken together, our data provide strong evidence that mixtures of OPEs can influence the biology of macrophages and offer new mechanistic insights into the impact of OPE mixtures on the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that PVC membranes are a current solution for waterproofing flat roofs, and their use has been increasing in Portugal, it is important to analyze the main reasons for the occurrence of unusual anomalies in membranes mechanically fastened to the roof (not protected, directly exposed to the normal atmospheric agents) such as the premature occurrence (after less than 8 years old) of very localized dark spots on its surface that are longitudinally along all the rolls of the membrane. An experimental study was carried out and essentially it showed a clear decrease in the thickness of the top layer of the membrane and its total mass in these areas—already with the presence of the knots of the reinforcement mesh on the surface of the membrane, seen through an electron microscope—which is associated with very low levels of plasticizer for the service life of this membrane. From the analysis done, it can be concluded that the defect in question is associated with a less careful formulation of the PVC compound (or mix) during the manufacturing process for unprotected membranes on the roof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]