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This work reports the effect of 1–5 wt% epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) addition on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS). ESO acts as a chain extender as well as a mild plasticizer of PBS. N-methylimidazole (NMI) is used as a catalyst to promote the reaction between PBS and ESO, and thermal, rheological, and spectroscopic analyses demonstrate increased viscoelastic properties, compatibility, crystallinity and thermal stability of the melt reacted formulations. In the presence of NMI, storage modulus (G’) values two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure PBS are achieved, confirming the completion of the chain extension reaction. A drastic refinement of the biphasic structure of the blend is observed, with the formation of a homogenous structure where ESO is well incorporated into the matrix. Finally, tensile tests reveal enhanced mechanical performance in the blends reacted in the presence of NMI. These findings pave the way for the development of a versatile family of materials which could find potential application in sustainable biodegradable packaging.

Composites made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and β-cyclodextrin/d-limonene inclusion complex (CD-lim) were prepared by melt extrusion to develop a novel food packaging material. Scanning electron microscopy evidenced a fairly good dispersion of the filler within the polymeric matrix. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of CD-lim in the composites, proving that the applied technology of including the essential oil within β-CD cages allows for preventing a sizable loss of d-limonene despite a high temperature and shear applied upon extrusion processing. Moreover, the influence of the filler on the thermal properties of PE was assessed. It was found that the cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex significantly fastens the crystallization path of the polyethylene matrix with an improved crystallization rate of the PE/CD-lim composites compared to the neat polymer.