Development of renewable resource based bioplastic: Effect of eco-friendly citrate plasticizer on the performance of cellulosic plastic.

Abstract

The main drawback of cellulose acetate plastic is that its melt processing temperature exceeds its decomposition temperature. This implies that cellulose acetates should be plasticized if they are to be used in thermoplastic applications. Again the incorporation of plasticizer is poised to reduce its operating temperature. Phthalates plasticizer used in commercial cellulose acetate plastic pose an environmental and perhaps a health threat and thus is under serious criticism. Citric acid has a long history of use in food and beverage flavoring. The citric acid esters have a similar history as plasticizers. They are non-toxic and have been approved for many applications such as additives in medical plastics, personal care, and food contact and are used as plasticizers with a variety of different polymers.