The effect of epoxy vitrimer on the structure and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane/polycaprolactone polymer composites

Abstract

AbstractA vitrimer (ESO‐S) was prepared by direct curing of epoxy soybean oil (ESO). A series of polymer/ESO‐S blend composites were prepared by adding different content of ESO‐S, and the corresponding characteristics change of thermoplastic polymer composites was explored. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test demonstrated that ESO‐S can achieve covalent bonding and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between ESO‐S and polymer matrix, thus the interfacial compatibility between composite components was improved. The tensile strength of composites was increased by adding the ESO‐S of suitable content. The tensile strength reached the maximum value (38.15 MPa) when the ESO‐S content was 0.8 wt%. In addition, the thermal stability and melting temperature of the composites were also improved.