CNSL-based plasticizers, a promising and sustainable alternative to phthalates, a review

With growing environmental concerns and the depletion of petrochemical resources, biomass-derived chemicals have garnered significant attention. Biomass-derived plasticizers have been widely studied as alternatives to toxic petroleum-based plasticizers. However, the bioressources used for their synthesis, an inedible oil derived from agricultural waste, containing cardanol, cardol and anacardic acid, is attracting new interest. Recent research has focused on cardanol-based plasticizers for various polymers such as PVC, PLA, AC and rubber. Cardanol-based biobased plasticizers offer advantages such as renewability, solvent-resistant extraction and efficient plasticizing performance, making them potentially suitable for partial or total replacement of petroleum-based plasticizers. In this study, we discuss the different types of cardanol-based plasticizers according to their chemical structure, functional groups and applications in polymers. The aim of this study is to increase the interest of researchers in biobased plasticizers based on CNSL derivatives.