Castor Oil Derivatives as Potential Plasticizers

Abstract

The extensive use of polymers in medical and pharmaceutical applications including particularly packaging, medical devices, drug carriers and coatings has caused a substantial demand for the proper plasticizers. Although there are many plasticizers used in the chemical industry, only a few of them have been approved for pharmaceutical applications. The natural-based plasticizers characterized by low toxicity and low migration are required nowadays not only for pharmaceutical and medical applications. In this respect, most of traditional plasticizers are not applicable in this area. The aim of this review paper is to give a fundamental description of the Castor Oil applications in polymer materials and its recent developments. Particular emphasis will be placed on study and main application of triglyceride based additive for polymer and to give the reader an insight into the main developments is discussed.