The use of natural plasticizers with low toxicity and good compatibility in several polymer
applications has become more attractive. In this study, a natural plasticizer was synthesized
in the laboratory by esterification of rice fatty acids and polyols. The resulting
product was added to PVC and natural rubber latex films (5% w/w). Mechanical properties
of the films, as well as tests of migration and exudation of the plasticizer, were performed
in order to evaluate the efficiency of plasticization. Optical microscopy (OM), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric
analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the
pristine and plasticized polymer. Mechanical tests indicated that the addition of the
natural plasticizer resulted in an increase in the elongation at break and a consequent
decrease in the tensile strength of the films. The plasticizing effect induced by the natural
plasticizer was also confirmed by a glass transition temperature (Tg) shift towards lower
temperatures in the plasticized film