Plasticizer properties of methyl vinyl ketone-methylalpha-eleostearate adduct and derivatives

Summary The Diels-Alder adduct of methyl vinyl ketone and methylalpha-eleostearate was subjected to modification by hydrogenation and epoxidation of its unsaturated centers and by aromatization of its cyclohexene nucleus. These derivatives, as well as the original adduct, were intercompared with DOP as primary plasticizers for vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. All of these materials were found to be highly compatible as primary plasticizers and generally more efficient than DOP. The stocks plasticized with the hydrogenated and epoxidized adducts exhibited very good thermal stability on long exposures to heat. The epoxidized adduct not only imparted excellent heat stability to the plastic but also prevented deterioration on exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. One of the laboratories of the Southern Utilization Research and Development Division, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture.