Plasticizing Effects of Ionic Liquids on the Properties and Applications of Polymer Blends

Polymer blends are an essential category of materials formed by physically combining two or more polymers. The plasticizing process is advantageous for brittle or rigid polymer systems that need improved flexibility or ductility. The increasing demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance polymeric materials has spurred research into alternative plasticization methods. The use of ionic liquids as non-volatile plasticizers in polymer blends is owing to their outstanding properties. In this short review, several ionic liquids employed in polymer blends and some polymers used in blends with ionic liquids are listed. Additionally, the plasticizing effects of ionic liquids on the properties of polymer blends are concisely elucidated. This review also provides a brief overview of the potential applications of polymer blends plasticized with ionic liquids. In summary, many studies reveal that ionic liquid-based plasticization impacts the structural, thermal, conductive, and mechanical properties of polymer blends. The potential applications of polymer blends plasticized with ionic liquids cover various fields, including energy systems, packaging, electronics, and soft robotics.