Isolation and characterization of novel bioplasticizers from rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) petals and its suitability investigation for poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biofilm applications

The current growing environmental awareness has forced the use of biodegradable plasticizers, which are sustainable and abundant in plant resources. Rose petal plasticizers (RPP) act as an actual substitute for chemical plasticizers in this situation as they are biocompatible and biodegradable. Chemical procedures like amination, alkalization, and surface catalysis are used to extract the natural emollients from rose petals. XRD, FT-IR, and UV studies were used to understand the characteristics of the rose petal plasticizer. Based on the XRD data, the RPP's crystallinity size (CS) and crystallinity index (CI) values were determined to be 9.36 nm and 23.87%, respectively. The surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer is investigated using SEM, EDAX analysis and AFM. RPP surface pores with rough surfaces are visible in SEM images, which make them appropriate for plasticizing novel bioplastics with superior mechanical qualities. The plasticizer's heat degradation behaviour is investigated using thermogravimetric and differential thermogram analysis curves. Following the characterization of the synthesised molecules, the plasticization effect was examined using a biodegradable polymer matrix called poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The reinforcement interface was also examined using scanning electron microscopy analysis. RPP-reinforced films demonstrated greater flexibility and superior surface compatibility at a 5% loading compared to PBAT-only films. Based on a number of reported features, RPP could be a great plasticizer to address future environmental problems.