Ternary System Research Articles

Kirkwood-Buff Analysis of Binary and Ternary Systems Consisting of Alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol, 1-Propanol, and 2-Propanol), Water, and n-Hexane to Understand the Formation of Surfactant-Free Microemulsions.

Surfactant-free microemulsion (SFME) represents a class of fluid mixtures that can form microheterogeneous structures without detergents, offering an environmentally benign alternative to traditional microemulsions. However, the formation mechanism is still elusive. This work applies the Kirkwood-Buff theory to mixtures of alcohols, water, and n-hexane to elucidate the SFME formation mechanism. To ensure robust calculation of the Kirkwood-Buff integrals (KBIs), we construct a data set of densities and excess free energies of binary and ternary systems. Multiple excess Gibbs free energy models are assessed against this data set to select the most suitable model reproducing the experimental results. In addition, we introduce statistical methods to determine the optimal polynomial order of the Redlich-Kister correlation for the excess volume data. We first validate our methodology in binary systems. Then, we extend the calculation method to ternary mixtures. The KBI calculation results reveal that the alcohol-hexane and water-hexane interactions do not significantly affect SFME formation. In contrast, the interplay among water-water, water-alcohol, and alcohol-alcohol interactions critically influences the ability of a liquid mixture to form SFME structures. SFME systems exhibit the facile formation of water aggregates enveloped by alcohols, whereas non-SFME systems demonstrate homogeneous alcohol/water droplets dispersed in an oil continuous medium.

Asymmetric C–H Dehydrogenative Alkenylation via a Photo-induced Chiral α‑Imino Radical Intermediate

The direct alkenylation with simple alkenes stands out as the most ideal yet challenging strategy for obtaining high-valued desaturated alkanes. Here we present a direct asymmetric dehydrogenative α-C(sp3)-H alkenylation of carbonyls based on synergistic photoredox-cobalt-chiral primary amine catalysis under visible light. The ternary catalytic system enables the direct coupling of β-keto-carbonyls and alkenes through a cooperative radical addition-dehydrogenation process involving a chiral α-imino radical and Co(II)-metalloradical intermediate. A catalytic H-transfer process involving nitrobenzene is engaged to quench in situ generated cobalt hydride species, ensuring a chemoselective alkenylation in good yields and high enantioselectivities.

Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium Behavior of Ternary Systems Comprising Biodiesel + Glycerol and Triglyceride + Methanol: Experimental Data and Modeling

Having a comprehensive knowledge of phase equilibrium is advantageous for industrial simulation and design of chemical processes. For further acquisition of primary data to facilitate the separation and purification of waste oil biodiesel systems, a liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) tank is deployed for the ternary system of waste oil biodiesel + methanol + glycerin, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of the process. The phase equilibrium system was constructed under the influence of atmospheric pressure at precise temperatures of 303.15 K, 313.15 K, and 323.15 K. The equilibrium components of each substance were analyzed by employing high-temperature gas chromatography, a sophisticated analytical method that enables the identification and quantification of individual components of a sample. Moreover, the ternary liquid–liquid equilibrium data were correlated by implementing the NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models. Subsequently, the binary interaction parameters of the ternary system were derived by conducting regression analysis. The experimental data demonstrated that the presence of lower methanol content in the system resulted in nearly immiscible biodiesel and glycerol phases, which ultimately facilitated the separation of biodiesel and glycerol. Conversely, with the increase in methanol content, the mutual solubility of biodiesel and glycerol was observed to increase gradually. The results showed that the calculated values of the NRTL and UNIQUAC models aligned well with the experimental values. The root-mean-square deviations of the NRTL and UNIQUAC models at 313.15 K were 2.76% and 3.56%, respectively.

The Effect of the Microstructure and Viscosity of Modified Bitumen on the Strength of Asphalt Concrete

The purpose of these studies was to establish the influence of the microstructural and rheological characteristics of modified bitumen compositions on the strength indicators of asphalt concrete. The effect of additives concentration on the rheological characteristics and microstructure of binary “bitumen–surfactant”, “bitumen-AG-4I”, and ternary “bitumen-AG-4I-AG-4I” systems has been studied. To assess the effect of bitumen dispersion on the physical and mechanical characteristics of modified asphalt concrete samples, the compressive strength value was determined. The following chemicals have been used as additives: the original product AS-1, industrial additive AMDOR-10, and used sealant AG-4I, a product based on polyisobutylene and petroleum oils. At an increased content of AG-4I (C ≥ 1.0 g/dm3) in ternary systems, the contribution of the emerging intermolecular polyisobutylene network to the development of structuring processes increases while the viscous effect of the surfactant AS-1 decreases. It has been established that the minimum size of bee-like bitumen structures (1.66 µm) is recorded with the joint presence of additives in the bitumen, AS-1 at a level of 1.0 g/dm3 and AG-4I at a level of 1.0 g/dm3. Under the same concentration regimes of the ternary bitumen composition, the maximum increase in compressive strength RD was achieved with the smallest size of bee-like structures of modified bitumen.

Multi-scale study on strength development, hydration behavior and phase evolution of recycled powder multi component cementitious materials

Recycled powder (RP) is considered to be a successful low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, the microstructure and synergistic mechanism of RP multi-component cementitious materials (RP-MCCM) after physical activation are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to study the strength development, hydration and phase structure evolution of MCCM by constructing RP-MCCM. When the content of RP after grinding activation is 30% (C70RG30), its 28 days compressive strength is increased by 7.6% on the basis of non-activation. Compared with the ternary system of RP and FA mixed with 15% (C70RG15F15), its 28 days compressive strength increased by 8.08%. After RP incorporation, the Al-OH is enhanced, the C-O and CO32- bonds peaks become narrower, and the S is evenly distributed, which is beneficial to the increase of the AFt and the CaCO3 content, but weakens the C-S-H and C-A-H phases. In the C70RG15F15 ternary system, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, and SiO2 nanostructures are tightly bonded together without obvious faults, which improves the structural compactness and strength. RP grinding activation is mainly manifested in surface improvement, internal C-S-H activation and increase of active sites.

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation and COSMO-SAC approach for enhanced 1,3-propanediol extraction with imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PDO) is a key chemical in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and material sciences, and is projected to see significant market growth. However, the current challenges in its downstream processing, particularly in terms of cost and efficiency, highlight the need for innovative solutions. Our study delves into using ionic liquids (ILs) as a potential alternative, aiming to address these critical separation challenges more sustainably and efficiently. In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the COSMO-SAC to examine 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) extraction using four imidazolium-based ionic liquids with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium [Bmim] cation and with different anions bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide [NPF2]-, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTF2]-, thiocyanate [SCN]-, and trifluoromethanesulfonate [TFO]-. Molecular dynamics simulations, incorporating analysis of radial distribution functions (RDF) and spatial distribution functions (SDF), revealed that [Bmim][SCN] and [Bmim][TFO] exhibit enhanced interactions with 1,3-PDO. Notably, [Bmim][SCN] formed the most hydrogen bonds, averaging 1.639 per molecule, due to its coordinating [SCN]- anion. This was in contrast to the fewer hydrogen bonds formed by non-coordinating anions in [Bmim][NPF2] and [Bmim][NTF2]. In ternary systems, [Bmim][SCN] and [Bmim][TFO] demonstrated superior selectivity for 1,3-PDO extraction compared to the other ionic liquids, with selectivity values around 29. These findings, supported by COSMO-SAC predictive modeling, highlight the potential of [Bmim][SCN] as a promising candidate for 1,3-PDO extraction, emphasizing the importance of anion selection in optimizing ionic liquid properties for this application. In our study, we employed MD simulations, incorporating the OPLS-AA force field, and COSMO-SAC to investigate the extraction of 1,3-PDO using imidazolium-based ionic liquids: [Bmim][NTF2], [Bmim][NPF2], [Bmim][SCN], and [Bmim][TFO]. The MD simulations were conducted using LAMMPS software, focusing on elucidating the RDF, SDF, and hydrogen bonding. Analysis of the distribution coefficient (β) and selectivity (S) for the ternary mixture was also conducted. These aspects of the simulation were analyzed using TRAVIS and VMD software. Additionally, the COSMO-SAC model was employed to determine the activity coefficients of 1,3-PDO in the ionic liquids, with molecular optimization conducted using Gaussian16 and sigma profile calculations performed using COSMO-SAC.

Vacancy-Defect Ternary Topological Insulators Bi2Se2Te Encapsulated in Mesoporous Carbon Spheres for High Performance Sodium Ion Batteries and Hybrid Capacitors.

Ternary topological insulators have attracted worldwide attention because of their broad application prospects in fields such as magnetism, optics, electronics, and quantum computing. However, their potential and electrochemical mechanisms in sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) have not been fully studied. Herein, a composite material comprising vacancy-defects ternary topological insulator Bi2Se2Te encapsulated in mesoporous carbon spheres (Bi2Se2Te@C) is designed. Bi2Se2Te with ample vacancy-defects has a wide interlayer spacing to enable frequent insertion/extraction of Na+ and boost reaction kinetics within the electrode. Meanwhile, the Bi2Se2Te@C with optimized yolk-shell structure can buffer the volume variation without breaking the outer protective carbon shell, ensuring structural stability and integrity. As expected, the Bi2Se2Te@C electrode delivers high reversible capacity and excellent rate capability in half SIB cells. Various electrochemical analyses and theoretical calculations manifest that Bi2Se2Te@C anode confirms the synergistic effect of ternary chalcogenide systems and suitable void space yolk-shell structure. Consequently, the full cells of SIB and SIHC coupled with Bi2Se2Te@C anode exhibit good performance and high energy/power density, indicating its widespread practical applications. This design is expected to offer a reliable strategy for further exploring advanced topological insulators in Na+-based storage systems.

Experimental Investigation of Phase Equilibria in the Al–Mo–Hf Ternary System at 400 °C and 600 °C

This study investigates the phase equilibria of the Al-Mo-Hf ternary system at 400 °C and 600 °C using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA/WDS) techniques. Seven three-phase and five two-phase regions were identified at 400 °C, while eight three-phase and four two-phase regions were identified at 600 °C. Despite variations in the solid solubility ranges of certain compounds, the distribution of phase zones in the isothermal cross-section remained consistent at both temperatures. Using the experimental results and logical deductions, isothermal cross-sections were constructed for the Al-Mo-Hf ternary system at 600 °C and 400 °C.

Investigation of structural, thermo–electrical, and morphological features of the (Bi2O3)1–x–y (Tm2O3)x (Yb2O3)y ternary systems for intermediate temperatures

In this paper, the (Bi2O3)1–x–y (Tm2O3)x (Yb2O3)y ternary systems were successfully synthesized by the solid–state reaction method under air conditions. All powder compositions were then heat treated for 100 h at 750 °C to allow for partial substitution of dopant cations, Tm3+ and Yb3+, between host Bi3+ cations. Characterizations of fabricated compositions were carried out by XRD, TG and DTA, FPPT, and FE–SEM techniques. Stacked XRD patterns verified that all compositions included solely single–phase peaks, with the exception of Bi0.92Tm0.04Yb0.04O1.5–δ and Bi0.88Tm0.04Yb0.08O1.5–δ, whose patterns suggested mixed phases. The DTA curves, depending on temperature, detected the endothermic peaks at around 600 °C, implying that an order–disorder transition occurs in the anion sublattice of the doped crystal. At 700 °C, the conductivity of the Bi0.88Tm0.08Yb0.04O1.5–δ system was found to be 0.432 S/cm, surpassing the conductivity of a single–doped (Bi2O3)0.80 (Er2O3)0.20 system, which had a value of 0.37 S/cm at the same temperature.

Phase behavior of supercritical CO2 + nonionic ethoxylated surfactants + methanol: Experimental data and modeling with PC-SAFT equation of state

The use of surfactants for oil and gas purposes has been explored and extensively applied. However, such systems' thermodynamic and predictability behavior still needs further investigation. This work aims to describe the phase behavior of the systems composed of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants (nonylphenyl ethoxylated surfactants—IGEPAL CO-630 and CO-720) + carbon dioxide (CO2) with additional methanol in wide ranges of temperature (T = 313 to 413 K), pressure (P = 0.8 to 54.8 MPa), and CO2 molar compositions (up to 90.0 %). It was observed for all systems studied that CO2 solubility was inversely proportional to temperature and the number of ethoxylated units for pure surfactants. The addition of methanol greatly increases the overall CO2 solubility. The thermodynamic modeling through the PC-SAFT equation of state was also evaluated. Bubble pressure deviations of 13.63 % and 13.49 % were obtained for pure IGEPAL CO-630 and IGEPAL CO-720 + CO2, respectively, and 12.63 % for the ternary system (IGEPAL CO-720 + methanol + CO2). A new set of binary interaction parameters was also provided for IGEPAL CO-630 and IGEPAL CO-720 + CO2.

Bulk Free Radical Terpolymerization of Butyl Acrylate, 2-Methylene-1,3-Dioxepane and Vinyl Acetate: Terpolymer Reactivity Ratio Estimation

This investigation introduces the first estimation of ternary reactivity ratios for a butyl acrylate (BA), 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO), and vinyl acetate (VAc) system at 50 °C, with an aim to develop biodegradable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In this study, we applied the error-in-variables model (EVM) to estimate reactivity ratios. The ternary reactivity ratios were found to be r12 = 0.417, r21 = 0.071, r13 = 4.459, r31 = 0.198, r23 = 0.260, and r32 = 55.339 (BA/MDO/VAc 1/2/3), contrasting with their binary counterparts, which are significantly different, indicating the critical need for ternary system analysis to accurately model multicomponent polymerization systems. Through the application of a recast Alfrey–Goldfinger model, this investigation predicts the terpolymer’s instantaneous and cumulative compositions at various conversion levels, based on the ternary reactivity ratios. These predictions not only provide crucial insights into the incorporation of MDO across different initial feed compositions but also offer estimates of the final terpolymer compositions and distributions, underscoring their potential in designing compostable or degradable polymers.

Insights into optoelectronic, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of novel GePtCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) semiconductors: first-principles perspective

Ternary chalcogenides are often studied for their remarkable heat resistance and flexible optical properties. We used density functional theory and examine complicated connections between the various physical features of the exclusive GePtCh (Ch = S, Se, and Te) ternary chalcogenides. The valence band is formed by the hybridization of the Ge-s/p/d, Pt-s/p/d, S-p, Se-p, and Te-p orbitals in the energy range of −6.0 eV to 0 eV. The materials under consideration are confirmed as indirect bandgap materials with estimated energy gaps of 1.29 eV, 0.86 eV, and 0.48 eV, respectively. By substituting Se and Te for S reduced the bandgap in these materials. The complex dielectric function’s components, absorption coefficients, real optical conductivity, energy loss functions, refractive index, reflectivity, and extinction coefficient, are studied and examined to identify their potential use in optoelectronic applications. The thermodynamic parameters of these ternary systems are calculated by employing the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The materials are suitable for thermoelectric devices, as evidenced by their considerable and outstanding thermoelectric features. The GePtTe possessed the highest absorption, indicating that it is a suitable material for the use in optoelectronic applications.

Equation-of-state-based lattice Boltzmann model of multicomponent adsorption onto fluid–fluid interfaces

In diffuse interface models, such as the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), interfacial physics plays an important role. An example of an important interfacial phenomenon is adsorption onto a fluid–fluid interface. In the context of LBM, adsorption studies have traditionally only focused on adsorption onto a solid surface. The studies on adsorption onto fluid–fluid interfaces have been qualitative in nature, suffer from restrictions on the number of components, or are based on simple thermodynamic models designed for fully immiscible phases. Our recently published fugacity-based LBM model introduces a platform for the accurate modeling of multiphase fluids unrestricted by the number of components, and governed through accurate equations of state (Soomro and Ayala, 2023). In this study, we utilize the fugacity-based LBM to capture interfacial adsorption. This paper begins by simulating adsorption in a binary system with a flat interface, and shows that the amount of adsorption, quantified by relative adsorption measures, is in exact agreement with Gibbs theory. Next, the analysis is continued for a ternary system with two species adsorbing onto the interface. The binary and ternary simulations are then repeated for the case of a droplet and finally a five component case is presented. The study shows that the fugacity-based LBM can capture adsorption in full agreement with Gibbs adsorption theory. This provides a path for a generalized LBM model for adsorption, based on robust thermodynamic models for the fluids and unrestricted by the number of components, marking a significant contribution to the LBM literature.

STUDY OF SOLUBILITY PROPERTIES OF COMPONENTS IN ACETATE UREA - TRIETHANOLAMINE - WATER SYSTEM

In this work, in order to synthesize new physiologically active substances, the solubility properties of the components in the acetate urea triethanolamine water ternary system were studied by observational polythermal method at a wide range of concentration and a temperature range from -43°C to 18°C. The solubility diagram of the studied system was constructed and the crystallization areas of all substances acetateurea, triethanolamine, ice and the new compound С3Н8O3N2∙N(C2H4OH)3 acetate ureatriethanolammonium were separated. The composition of the new substance С3Н8O3N2∙N(C2H4OH)3 was determined using the chemical analysis method. In order to determine optimal conditions for the synthesis of С3Н8O3N2∙N(C2H4OH)3 acetate ureatriethanolammonium, which has a new physiologically active property, the rheological properties of the solution were studied by adding triethanolamine to 60, 70 and 80 % acetateurea. A “composition-property” diagram was constructed based on the rheological properties of the studied system, the рH indicator, the density and viscosity of the solution, and the refractive index. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of the new substance С3Н8O3N2∙N(C2H4OH)3 acetate ureatriethanolammonium, obtained by the ratio of components, were determined by adding triethanolamine to a 60 % acetate urea solution.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te SYSTEM

Phase equilibria of the SnTe–Sb2Te3–Te portion of the Sn–Sb–Te ternary system have been experimentally investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microstructural analysis methods. Based on the measured experimental results and literature information, isothermal sections at 500 K, liquidus surface projection, and several vertical sections of the phase diagram were plotted. The 500 K phase diagram of this system consists of 2 single-phase regions, 2 two-phase regions, and 3 three-phase regions. The liquidus surface projection is represented by the primary crystallization fields of 5 phases. The primary crystallization fields of all phases, the types, and coordinates of non- and monovariant equilibria were determined. Obtained experimental data can be valuable input for design for Sn–Sb–Te-based alloys

Bonding structure and dry etching characteristics in amorphous B–C–N films for hardmask applications

The etch selectivity of the hardmask layer in lithography process for semiconductor chip manufacturing is being continually improved through the utilization of single-element introduction in amorphous carbon (a-C) matrix. Because the exploration of ternary hardmask systems is lacking, we analyzed the bonding structure and dry etching characteristics of a hardmask composed of a ternary system by combining Boron (B) and Nitrogen (N), which are widely used in single-element addition in a-C films. Amorphous B–C–N (a-BCN) hardmasks were obtained by adjusting the N content in an amorphous boron-carbon film using the DC sputter process. The differences in N content within the a-BCN hardmask before and after dry etching were characterized through X-ray reflectometry (XRR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Consequently, an increase in the ratio of B–N and C–N bonds and a decrease in film density were observed in the pre-etched film. Furthermore, we identified that etch selectivity is related to changes in B–C bonds and C–C sp2 bonds in the post-etched residual film. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed an increase in the binding energy between C atoms within the film and etchant, F, influenced by N within the film. This revealed that N in ternary systems not only deteriorates physical density, as known from previous binary hardmask research, but also chemically promotes etch reactions. In our paper, we elucidate the aspects regarding the relationship between the etchant F and C that should be considered when designing ternary hardmask systems.

Study of Activation Energy for Viscous Flow of Mixtures as a Measure of Dilution Efficiency for Heavy Oil-Diluent Systems

Study of Activation Energy for Viscous Flow of Mixtures as a Measure of Dilution Efficiency for Heavy Oil-Diluent Systems

Phase equilibria of the Na2O‐TiO2‐SiO2 system between 900 and 1600°C in air

AbstractThe Na2O‐SiO2‐TiO2 system is important for the glass, ceramic, and metallurgical industries. Its features provide information on the composition and melting temperature to be utilized during the production of glass and ceramic and during the processing of TiO2‐bearing material in the metallurgical industry. The liquidus temperatures between 900 and 1600°C in the ternary system at saturation of solid SiO2, TiO2, Na2Ti6O13, Na2SiTiO5, and Na2Ti3O7 were measured using the equilibration‐quenching energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy/Electron Probe Microanalyzer technique. A wide range of liquidus compositions were obtained with Na2O between 0 and 41.7 mol% in the SiO2‐ and TiO2‐rich regions. The present study provides liquidus data at 1500 and 1600°C for the first time. Liquidus temperatures at various double saturations were also obtained in the present investigation to determine univariant lines in the phase diagram. The present experimental data were compared with previous investigations and computed phase diagrams. The data obtained in the present investigation can be employed to optimize the thermodynamic properties and phase diagrams of the Na2O‐SiO2‐TiO2 system.

Calculations of solubilities of pure noble gases and He–CO2/CH4/N2 gas mixtures in aqueous solutions with accurate thermodynamic models

Determining solubilities of pure noble gases and He–CO2/CH4/N2 gas mixtures in aqueous solutions is essential for various applications of noble gases in geological processes and for understanding the migration and accumulation of helium. This study developed two thermodynamic models for calculations of solubilities of five pure noble gases (i.e. He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) and He–CO2/CH4/N2 gas mixtures in water and in aqueous NaCl solution. The first model is constructed by extending the improved SAFT-LJ equation of state (EOS) to five binary H2O-noble gas systems and four ternary systems (i.e. H2O–He–NaCl, H2O–He–CO2, H2O–He–CH4, and H2O–He–N2). Both the non-ideality of aqueous phase and that of vapor phase of these systems were described using the improved SAFT-LJ EOS (φ-φ model). The second model is developed by modifying the gas solubility model proposed by Duan and his coworkers (one type of γ-φ model). The Pitzer theory was used to describe the non-ideality of aqueous phase and the improved SAFT-LJ EOS was used to describe the non-ideality of vapor phase. Both binary adjustable parameters of the improved SAFT-LJ EOS and parameters of the modified solubility model for pure gas were evaluated from experimental solubility data for pure gas. Both models are predictive for solubilities of gas mixtures since there is no need to evaluate their parameters from solubility data of gas mixtures.Comparisons of calculations of two models with experimental data show that both models can well represent solubilities and Henry's coefficients of five noble gases in pure water, as well as the solubility of He in aqueous NaCl solutions over a wide P-T range (273–600 K, 1–2000 bar for the solubility of He in water). The absolute average deviation of the improved SAFT-LJ EOS from experimental solubility data for five noble gases in pure water is 3.14% and that of the modified solubility model is 2.21%. Predictions of the improved SAFT-LJ EOS for Henry's coefficients for He in the He–CO2–H2O system are consistent with available experimental data. According to predictions of the improved SAFT-LJ EOS, Henry's coefficient for He in the He–CO2–H2O system is always lower than that in the He–H2O system at the same depth. Within 0–5 km depth, He solubility of He–CO2 gas mixture is much greater than that of pure He at the same depth and He partial pressure, He solubility of He–N2 mixture is a little greater than that of pure He, and He solubility of He–CH4 mixture is between that of He–CO2 mixture and that of He–N2 mixture. A computer program for calculations of solubilities of pure noble gases and He–CO2/CH4/N2 gas mixtures in pure water and in aqueous NaCl solutions can be obtained from the corresponding author via email.

Effect of hydrophobic modification of chitin nanocrystals on role as anti-nucleator in the crystallization of poly(ε-caprolactone)/polylactide blend

Biodegradable polymer blends filled with rod-like polysaccharide nanocrystals have attracted much attention because each component in this type of ternary composites is biodegradable, and the final properties are more easily tailored comparing to those of binary composites. In this work, chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) were used as nanofiller for the biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/polylactide (PLA) immiscible blend to prepare ternary composites for a crystallization study. The results revealed that the crystallization behavior of PCL/PLA blend matrices strongly depended on the surface properties of ChNCs. Non-modified ChNCs and modified ChNCs played completely different roles during crystallization of the ternary systems: the former was inert filler, while the latter acted as anti-nucleator to the PCL phase. This alteration was resulted from the improved ChNC-PCL affinity after modification of ChNCs, which was due to the ‘interfacial dilution effect’ and the preferential dispersion of ChNCs. This work presents a unique perspective on the nucleation role of ChNCs in the crystallization of immiscible PCL/PLA blends, and opens up a new application scenario for ChNCs as anti-nucleator.