Crosslinkable bioplasticizers

Abstract

A crosslinkable bioplasticizer is disclosed, a mixture of an epoxy-functional bio-derived plasticizer and an aromatic dianhydride. When heated, the mixture crosslinks, which can be accelerated by the addition of a Lewis Acid metal catalyst. The crosslinked bioplasticizer can be melt compounded into a thermoplastic resin or can be formed in situ in the thermoplastic resin. The crosslinking of the bioplasticizer can reduce blooming of the bioplasticizer to the surface of a plastic article made by extrusion, molding, calendering, or thermoforming techniques.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.