Isothermal and Nonisothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blended with a Novel Ionic Liquid, 1-Ethyl-3-propylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide

Abstract

Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) and biodegradable polymers have become crucial functional materials in green sustainable science and technology. In this study, we investigated the influence of a novel IL, 1-ethyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([EPrI][TFSI]), on the crystallization kinetics of a widely studied biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). To obtain a comprehensive understanding, both the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the PCL blends were studied. Incorporating [EPrI][TFSI] reduced the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization rates of PCL. Regarding isothermal crystallization, the small k and 1/t0.5 values of the blend, estimated using the Avrami equation, indicated that [EPrI][TFSI] decreased the rate of isothermal crystallization of PCL. The Mo model adequately described the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends. Increasing the [EPrI][TFSI] content caused the rate-related parameter F(T) to increase. This indicated that the crystallization rate of PCL decreased when [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated. The spherulite appearance temperature of the blending sample was found to be lower than that of neat PCL under a constant cooling rate. The analysis of the effective activation energy proposed that the nonisothermal crystallization of PCL would not be favorited when the [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated into the blends. The addition of [EPrI][TFSI] would not change the crystal structures of PCL according to the results of wide angle X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that interactions occurred between [EPrI][TFSI] and PCL. The crystallization kinetics of PCL were inhibited when [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated.

Miscibility, Morphology, and Crystallization Kinetics of Biodegradable Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Ascorbic Acid Blends

“…For PCL, the Avrami indices are all above 2.5, which can be rounded to 3, revealing an instantaneous tridimensional (spherulitic) growth. In the literature, the n value for neat PCL is mainly reported to be between 2 and 3, − but some researchers reported between 3 and 4. − On the other hand, for PCL/AA blends, the Avrami exponents are averaging 2, hinting at instantaneous axialites rather than spherulites. Similar behavior has been reported for PCL composites. ,, …”

Superior Crystallization Kinetics Caused by the Remarkable Nucleation Effect of Graphene Oxide in Novel Ternary Biodegradable Polymer Composites

“…The nonisothermal crystallization parameters can be calculated by the fitting results of the Mo model. In general, the F ( T ) value of the Mo model can be correlated with the rate of nonisothermal crystallization. , A smaller F ( T ) value indicates a faster rate of nonisothermal crystallization. By the fitting results, we found that as the GO content in the composite increased, the F ( T ) values became smaller.…”

Thinking Green: Sustainable Polymers from Renewable Resources

“…Polyethylene biocomposites for 3D printing, as well as biocomposites of lignocellulosic biomass and recycled PET, are prepared and characterized [32,33]. Biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) blends with ionic liquid are studied in regard to their crystallization characteristics [34]. Furthermore, the use of a green binder based on enzymatically polymerized eucalypt kraft lignin for fiberboard applications is tested [35].…”