Plasticizer Permanence, Migration and Interaction with Contact Media

3 Plasticizer Permanence, Migration and Interaction with Contact Media 

In the case of small plasticizers, the considered molecules need to be miscible, i.e. to present strong intermolecular forces with the polymer. In the case of partial miscibility, phase separation occurs when the miscibility limit of the plasticizer is exceeded and pure plasticizer phase and enriched 

The compatibility of the plasticizer in the PLA matrix, the morphological stability of the plasticized material and the prevention of the plasticizer migration from the material bulk should be optimized as leaching out of additives from materials could impact the media in contact. This is of particular importance where food packaging applications are concerned, because food safety has to be ensured and contamination risks should be minimized. As with all substances intentionally added to the packaging polymer, the choice of plasticizer must comply with the European Commission regulation EU 10/2011 on plastic materials intended to come into 

In comparison with other additives used in packaging materials, plasticizers focus attention as they need to be used in high amounts in glassy polymers, up to 50 wt% in PVC and up to 30 wt% in PLA to reach the expected mechanical properties. 

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