Synergistic effects of epoxidized isosorbide linolenate (EGLA‐ISB): A novel bio‐based heat stabilizer for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance of PVC

Heat stabilizers are additives that are used to stabilize the chemical and physical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) during high temperature processing and use. It is able to resist thermal degradation, prevent color change, maintain mechanical properties, and eliminate acid gas (HCl). Organometallic salts, such as zinc stearate (ZnSt2) and calcium stearate (CaSt2), are commonly used as heat stabilizers. There are not as many reports on bio‐based heat stabilizers. The effectiveness of a synthetic bio‐based molecule, epoxidized isosorbide linolenate (EGLA‐ISB), as a heat stabilizer for PVC was investigated in this article, and its performance was compared to the commonly used CaSt2/ZnSt2 heat stabilizers. The thermal stability of PVC films was observed to be higher when EGLA‐ISB was combined with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as the plasticizer. The PVC/30ESO/2EGLB‐ISB sample exhibited an initial decomposition temperature of 283.8°C and a minimal mass loss of 0.3% after a 120‐minute isothermal heat loss test at 200°C, indicating improved thermal stability. The incorporation of EGLA‐ISB into PVC films enhances mechanical properties through synergistic plasticization and stabilization, addressing the dispersibility issues of CaSt2/ZnSt2 that can diminish PVC's strength. The optical properties of PVC samples incorporating EGLA‐ISB are also superior. The plastics industry can move toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction through the development of bio‐based heat stabilizers.Highlights EGLA‐ISB/ESO boosts PVC thermal stability. EGLA‐ISB enhances PVC's mechanical properties. EGLA‐ISB PVC shows superior optical performance. EGLA‐ISB advances sustainable PVC industry.