Comprehensive characterization of novel bioplasticizer from Pandanus tectorius leaves: a sustainable biomaterial for biofilm applications

Plasticizers are frequently employed as additives due to the poor strength of polymers. Many plasticizers are currently available in liquid form and as compounds derived from fossil fuels. These materials are not appropriate for the environment, which may have negative consequences on humans and other resources. Comparing liquid plasticizers to solid plasticizers, there exists an uncountable number of liquid plasticizers. Accordingly, our research based on the extraction of plasticizer from plant-based sources. The leaves of Pandanum tectorius are utilized for this purpose, and the plasticizer is extracted from the leaves via chemical processes such as amination, alkalization, and surface catalysis. To comprehend the properties of the plasticizer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, and X-Ray diffraction analyses were performed. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum analysis are used to determine the surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer. Thermogravimetric and differential thermogram analysis curves are used to examine the heat degradation behavior of the plasticizer. To examine the plasticizing effect of the plasticizer, a bio polymer polylactic acid is utilized and its mechanical properties are investigated. With a 5% loading of plasticizer, the tensile modulus and Young's modulus of composite films decreased, while the elongation break percent ( 70.46%) increased. The isolated plasticizer was soluble in water, and organic solvents, and had a molecular weight of 444.72. Plasticizer's glass transition temperature was also investigated and determined to be 73.46 degrees C. The plasticizer is reinforced with PLA to check the plasticizing effect and the reinforcement interface is also discussed using scanning electron microscope analysis. [GRAPHICS] .