Transparent polymer blends composed of cellulose acetate propionate and poly(epichlorohydrin)

Structure and properties for binary blends composed of biomass-based cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and poly(epichlorohydrin) (PECH) have been studied. It is found from the dynamic mechanical measurements that mutual dissolution takes place to some degree with remaining CAP-rich and PECH-rich regions in the blends. As a result of the interdiffusion, leading to fine morphology, the blends exhibit high level of optical transparency although the individual pure components have different refractive index. Furthermore, the mechanical toughness of CAP, which is one of the most serious problems for CAP, is considerably improved by blending PECH. This will have a great impact on industries because the blend technique widens the application of CAP.