Extraction and characterization of a potential plasticizer from Vachellia nilotica

Abstract

The replacement of fossil-based materials has become a primary focus of researchers. A plasticizer is a common additive that plays a major role in cement processing units. Most of the plasticizers are available in liquid form and some of them are synthetic fossil fuel based. An alternative is needed to replace synthetic plasticizers. Plant-based sources are rich in glycols, glycerol, and polyphenols, and are often good plasticizing materials. A solid plasticizer was extracted from Vachellia nilotica plant leaves. The plant leaves were processed using various procedures such as alkali treatment, reflux processes, flocculation, and purification. The extracted solid plasticizer was characterized using Fourier transform spectroscopy and physiochemical analysis. The density of the plasticizer was low, 0.782 g/cm³, and the average recovery was 40.56 %. A low crystallinity index of 45.1 % was suggested by X-ray diffraction analysis and the crystallite size was 12.36 nm. The breakdown and thermal stability of the plasticizer particles were found using thermogravimetric analysis. Roughness parameters were well-oriented in the plasticizer. The solid plasticizer may be dissolved in ethanol for use in concrete processing.