An Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid as a Model to Study Plasticization Effects on Cationic Polymethacrylate Films

Marimuthu T, Sidat Z, et al.

Polymers

University of the Witwatersrand

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study investigated the mechanical and physicochemical effects of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([HMIM]Cl), on Eudragit RL100 polymethacrylate films, comparing it to traditional plasticizers such as dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and glycerol. The research demonstrated that [HMIM]Cl is a highly effective and environmentally friendly plasticizer, achieving superior film flexibility, long-term stability, and tensile resilience at lower concentrations (20–30% w/w) compared to standard agents. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations were combined to reveal that ionic liquid incorporation enhanced interchain mobility and stress distribution across the polymer matrix. The results highlight the potential of ionic liquids as next-generation plasticizers for biocompatible and sustainable polymeric films.

Uniaxial tensile strain testing was performed using the CellScale BioTester 5000 Biomaterials Tester to quantify displacement, rigidity, and Young’s modulus of Eudragit RL100 films plasticized with [HMIM]Cl, DOP, and glycerol. Using a 5 N load cell and BioRakes™ grips, the team applied 20% ramp displacement deformation to assess peak force, strain distribution, and modulus. Stress–strain mapping (Figure 6, page 10) visualized localized deformation and uniformity of strain fields using LabJoy software. The BioTester data confirmed that [HMIM]Cl-plasticized films achieved superior elasticity and uniform stress distribution relative to conventional plasticizers, validating its mechanical enhancement capability.

AUTHORS

Thashree Marimuthu, Zainul Sidat, Pradeep Kumar, Yahya E. Choonara.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Polymers

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

University of the Witwatersrand

COUNTRIES

South Africa

INSTRUMENT USED

BioTester

TESTING METHODS

Tensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Adhesives and Sealants TestingPolymers and Elastomers Testing

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