Renewable resource using cellulose derivatives by melt process

Melt processable plasticized cellulose diacetate (CDA) was prepared using triacetin (TA) as a plasticizer and its mechanical properties were characterized. The processability of the plasticized CDA was further enhanced by using a small amount of epoxidized soybean oil as a secondary plasticizer. The glass transition temperature of the plasticized CDA was observed at 50°C lower than that of the virgin CDA and the incorporation of 5 % of ESO also resulted in an additional 20°C decrease in the Tg value. In order to obtain practical processing conditions, a plasticizer content of more than 20 wt % should be used.