Eugenol: extraction, properties and its applications on incorporation with polymers and resins—a review

The inclination of industry towards the naturally extracted raw materials is increasing to ensure the replacement of petroleum-based raw materials. “Eugenol” is a naturally extracted compound that serves as an efficient raw material for various polymers. It is the chemical structure of eugenol that enables it to get functionalized thereby making it potential for incorporation in polymers. The presence of aromatic ring and allyl group ensures the stability and resistivity against the factors which are favourable to the microbial colonization over the surface of the product. This enables the polymers incorporated with eugenol to impart better barrier properties to the product thereby enhancing its shelf life. Thus, it was applied in the polymer, coating as well as in the packaging industry. The study deals with the extraction, properties, and application of eugenol as raw material, in the packaging and the coating industry. Various extraction methods of eugenol have been discussed as conventional, non-conventional, and green technology. It is obtained naturally from plants such as tulsi leaves, clove buds, cinnamon bark, and turmeric. Several properties of eugenol such as solubility, toxicity, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties are discussed. The discussion of the incorporation of Eugenol with various polymers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, epoxy, polyolefins and subsequent improvements in their properties has been discussed. It was also incorporated with oils and certain biopolymers like starch and cellulose. Eugenol used as an additive and its various properties in each application are discussed.Graphical abstract