The Effect of a Zinc-Containing Additive on the Properties of PVC Compounds

Polymeric materials that undergo degradation under the influence of biological media have attracted widespread attention in recent decades. This is due to the ability to eliminate the negative impact on the environment, gradually reducing the scale of plastic waste pollution. At the same time, it remains relevant to ensure the necessary performance characteristics of products for a certain period of use. An important direction in the field of biodegradable composite compositions is the development of nontoxic additives in order to ensure their safe interaction with biological media. In this regard, a method has been developed for the joint production of a new nontoxic plasticizer decyl phenoxyethyl adipate and a biocidal additive of zinc decyl adipate. The effect of the obtained additives on the biodegradation of PVC film samples under natural conditions was studied. The period of biocidal action of zinc compound formed in situ in an amount of 0.3% in the composition of PVC films using the developed plasticizer was determined.

Developing environmentally benign and effective organic wood preservatives by understanding the biocidal and non-biocidal properties of extractives in naturally durable heartwood

Wood products for exterior residential applications have long been protected with metallic preservatives. However, environmental and disposal concerns and governmental regulations have resulted in a growing trend to employ organic systems based on relatively benign and expensive agrochemicals. To develop organic preservatives that have increased efficacy and lower cost, various groups are studying the biocidal and non-biocidal properties of extractives present in naturally durable heartwoods. In this study, we determined the fungicidal, free radical scavenger/antioxidant, metal chelation and Fe3+ reducing properties of some flavones and flavonoid analogs and chromones. The results support our earlier hypothesis that the abiotic antioxidant, Fe3+ reduction and subsequent metal complexation properties, in combination with the extractives’ fungicidal properties, all have a role in natural durability. Consequently, it may be possible to employ non-biocidal additive(s) with the above abiotic properties to enhance the efficacy of the relatively expensive organic agrochemicals used to protect wood.