Comparative characterization of gum rosins for their use as sustainable additives in polymeric matrices

There is a growing interest in the use of non-polluting compounds, which come from renewable sources, and performance their scope equivalent to synthetic similes. In this work, five types rosins different sources were studied, verifying existence differences that can be inferred subsequent application as material additives. For study, analyzed using gas-mass chromatographic techniques, infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), color characterization. The results showed samples are composed either abietic acid or by its structural isomers contents higher than 80%. FTIR shows main difference gum related proclivity absorb environmental moisture technique not enough differentiate them. Moreover, DSC reveals present enthalpy relaxation effects due manufacturing process. TGA thermally stable until 200°C, therefore they successfully blended with thermoplastic polymers. Finally, characterization little between samples, being CA rosin greatest total differences.