| abstract |
The present invention provides a phthalate-free plasticizer for polymer resins. The phthalate-free plasticizer according to the invention includes a mixture of different triesters of glycerin, at least one of which meets the formula:wherein at least two of R1, R2, and R3 are different alkyl or aryl groups. Phthalate-free plasticizers according to the invention can be made by esterifying glycerin with a mixture of acids in the presence of a catalyst. Preferably, the mixture of acids includes at least two selected from the group consisting of alkyl acids and aryl acids, with each acid in the mixture containing up to about 11 carbon atoms, and more preferably from about 4 to about 9 carbon atoms each. The plasticizer according to the invention can be used to modify the properties of a wide variety of polymers including vinyl polymers, rubbers, polyurethanes, and acrylics, and has superb thermostability and low volatility. |