Unveiling the comprehensive performance and safety advancements in PVC films through environmentally friendly PMgLaCe-LDH incorporation

Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) is the most widely used PVC plasticizer today. However, the poor migration and volatility resistance of toxic DOTP in PVC films lead to hazards for both the environment and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new, environmentally friendly, and multifunctional filler of PVC to improve the overall performance of PVC and reduce the release of toxic DOTP. Here the alkaline and neutral-modified Mg-based layered double hydroxides (PMgLaCe-LDHNe/Ae) with various La/Ce doping ratios was successfully synthesized through a co-precipitation method and used as multifunctional filler for PVC. Subsequently, composite membranes of PMgLaCe-LDH/PVC were prepared using the blending method, and their comprehensive properties were further investigated. The results demonstrated that the composite membrane, specifically 20Mg10Ce-LDHAe/PVC, exhibited exceptional qualities. These included improved plasticized flame retardancy, photo-thermal stability, hydrophobicity, low-temperature resistance, volatility resistance, and migration resistance. Furthermore, the short-term and long-term safety evaluation, cytotoxicity assay and intradermal irritation response test on SD rats revealed that the addition of the new environmentally friendly and non-toxic compound, 20Mg10Ce-LDHAe, effectively inhibited PVC degradation and the release of toxic substances. This research offers a potential solution to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with PVC products, making them safer and more sustainable.