If it is true that the PVC plasticizer, DEHP, can be replaced by organic alternatives, then when replaced, plastic performance in the areas of dimension change, glass transition temperature, and extraction resistance will not be significantly compromised.

An experiment was conducted on the release behavior of DEHP from PVC films to further confirm its leaching tendency. For performance tests, DEHP was replaced with the diblock copolymers of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and methoxypolyethylene glycol (MePEG), as well as polycaprolactone (PCL) and MePEG, and also with epoxidized Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oil (ECTO). DEHP was used as a standard of comparison. PVC films with different plasticizers were synthesized and characterized.

The two diblock copolymers are used in drug delivery systems, and are safe for the human body. The hydrophilic MePEG segments make them water soluble, increasing the biodegradable potential of the polymer. Epoxidized Carthamus tinctorius oil was synthesized, as our 2006 study found the unepoxidized oil to be a suitable alternative for DEHP. To improve the viability of using safflower oil, we altered its chemical structure by insertion of epoxide groups. The epoxidized safflower oil is also advantageous in that it can perform as a plasticizer as well as a heat stabilizer; it is also not water soluble, making it suitable for applications different from those of the diblock copolymers.

Dependent Variable:
• Plastic performance (glass transition temperature, dimension change, and extraction resistance) of PVC film cast with varying weight-ratio of plasticizer

Independent Variable:
• Percent by weight of plasticizer used

Variables Attempted to Control:
• Sterilized vials were used
• Pipettes were used to accurately measure volumes of liquids
• All 5 plasticizers were added in equal ratios
• All films were stored and produced in the same environment
• Tests were all done on the same day and by the same person