Shape Memory, Naturally Enhanced: Epoxidized Palm Olein in Bio‐Based Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with environmental benefits. However, its brittleness and incompatibility with polycaprolactone (PCL) pose significant challenges to its mechanical performance and broader applicability. This study addresses these challenges by incorporating epoxidized palm olein (EPO), a bio‐based compatibilizer derived from palm oil, into PLA/PCL blends at varying compositions (1, 2, and 3 phr). The blends were prepared using hot‐press molding and analyzed for mechanical, thermal, and shape‐memory properties. Adding EPO improved the toughness of the blends by up to 8.4% at 3 phr EPO, while elongation at break increased to 58%. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed enhanced thermal stability, while FTIR indicated improved interfacial adhesion, as evidenced by a slight shift and reduction in C═O stretching peak of PLA and PCL around 1720 cm −1 . Shape memory properties also showed significant improvement, with recovery rates exceeding 90% in all EPO‐modified blends. These improvements are attributed to the enhanced morphology and compatibility introduced by EPO. This study highlights the potential of EPO, derived from a readily available bioresource, as a compatibilizer and crucial key enabler for high‐performance, sustainable PLA/PCL blends. It underscores the potential of converting common bioresources into sustainable materials with promising applications across various industries.