Naturally functionalized triglyceride oils in interpenetrating polymer networks

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Abstract
The use of naturally functionalized triglyceride oils in interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) is reviewed. An oil bearing either hydroxyl or epoxide functionality may be crosslinked to form a soft elastomer in the presence of another monomer or network to form an IPN, or in the presence of a linear polymer, to form a semi‐IPN. Polymerization and characterization of naturally functionalized triglyceride oils are mentioned, with emphasis on the distribution and effect of nontrifunctional triglycerides on elastomer properties. The simultaneous synthesis of polystyrene/functional triglyceride oil IPNs is reviewed, and several factors influencing IPN morphology and mechanical properties are discussed. The synthesis and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/functional triglyceride oil semi‐IPNs are emphasized, with the importance of ester interchange in the synthetic procedure, and factors influencing crystallinity and morphology are introduced.