Novel nanoblends prepared from simultaneous in-situ polymerization and compatibilization of bio-based plant oils and thermoplastic polymer

Nanostructured blends with prescribed macromolecular structure and properties have been successfully prepared via in-situ cationic polymerization of bio-based rung oil in the presence of poly(ε-caprolactone) as a crystallizable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer. Different degrees of miscibility, morphology, and crystallization behavior have been observed as a function of blend composition. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL/tung oil blends were investigated as a function of composition at different crystallization temperatures and analyzed on the basis of Avrami approach. A substantial decrease in the isothermal crystallization kinetics was observed as the concentration of PCL increased in the blends up to 30 wt.%. In a contrast, for 50 wt.% PCL blend, a considerable increase in the crystallization kinetics was detected.