A new process enables manufacturers to produce safe eco-friendly plasticisers from sunflower oil. Researchers from DTU Chemistry and DTU Food have contributed to the development process.
Hazardous phthalates may be replaced by a plasticizer produced from sunflower oil.
Researchers from DTU Chemistry and DTU Food have participated in a project funded by the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation in a process to produce a competitive eco-friendly plasticizer as an alternative to phthalates. Phthalates are typically used as softeners in products such as vinyl flooring, toothbrushes, toys, medical equipment and food packaging.
“The new softener must also be able to replace another softener based on castor bean oil, which is harmless, but expensive to produce. The sunflower oil-based softener can be mass-produced, and using the newly developed process, we can offer industry a viable alternative plastic softener,” says Associate Professor Anders Riisager, DTU Chemistry.
“Another important benefit may be the likelihood of the new plasticizers having fewer or none of the endocrine disrupters associated with phthalates,” he concludes.
Safe product
Concurrent with DTU Chemistry’s development of the chemical process, DTU Food has examined the plastic softener for possible undesirable effects that could halt further product development.
“Using selected computer, cell and animal models, we have examined the new softener for a range of hazardous properties. The various findings clearly indicate that the new product has a safety profile in line with castor oil while possessing the same softening and durability properties,” says Senior Researcher Alicja Mortensen, DTU Food.
In 2013, the project participants were awarded a diploma at the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation’s Networking Day for implementing the project.