Bio-sourced plasticizers EPO and ESO were able to aid the melt-processing of PLA and produce toughened PLA.
The significant reduction of (maximum and end) torque, stock temperature, and time needed for homogeneous blend
from the incorporation of the plasticizers in PLA can be useful information in minimizing sample degradation and
mechanical wear which are advantageous in the PLA processing industry. Given the lower viscosity of EPO, it had
better lubricating and plasticizing effect in aiding the processing of PLA even at low content. Both epoxidized oils
were able to improve the toughness of PLA which suggest potential in substituting man-made plasticizers for a
safer, environmental friendly, and sustainable alternative. While EPO readily toughen PLA at low content, ESO may
reinforce comparable toughness at higher content of 10 wt.% and 15 wt.%.