ABSTRACT
The plastic industry has used plasticizers since the 1800s. Some plasticizers, like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have raised concern, because they can migrate and cause toxicity. Legislation and health safety issues have prompted the development of commercial plasticizers. Nowadays, interest in biopolymer-based lms and coatings has increased, and nonconventional plasticizers can serve as additive in these materials. Polyols, fatty acids (FA), monosaccharides, ethanolamine (EA), urea, triethanolamine (TEA), vegetable oils, lecithin, waxes, amino acids, surfactants, and water can function as plasticizers in polysaccharides, proteins, and polysaccharides/protein mixed lms. The plasticizer renders biopolymer-based lms more exible, processable, and extensible. The plasticizer type and amount affect the biolm mechanical properties, barrier properties to oxygen and water vapor, optical clarity, degree of crystallinity, and glass transition temperature (Tg).
