Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of novel nanoblends prepared from simultaneous in-situ cationic polymerization and compatibilization of bio-based tung oil and biodegradable poly(e- Caprolactone)

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of novel nanostructured bio-based poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/tung oil blends prepared via in-situ compatibilization and cationic polymerization was investigated at different cooling rates for different blend compositions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL in the blends was strongly influenced by the tung oil thermoset, i.e.; the kinetics of non-isothermal crystallization process greatly inhibited in the blends with compositions of PCL<50 wt%. This finding suggested that the high concentration of thermoset, tung oil could significantly restrict the dynamics of the PCL chain segments, thereby slow down the non-isothermal crystallization process. On the other hand, a considerable acceleration in the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics was observed for PCL/tung oil 50/50 wt% blend. The crystallization kinetics was analyzed as a function of composition at different cooling rates based on modified Avrami approach.