Abstract Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units, known as monomers. Plasticization is a widely recognized approach for enhancing the flexibility, processability, and mechanical performance of polymers. Recently, ionic liquids have garnered attention as promising plasticizers for various polymers, owing to their distinctive physicochemical properties. In this mini-review, a variety of ionic liquids utilized as plasticizers and numerous polymers used along with ionic liquids are categorized. Furthermore, the preparation processes and physicochemical properties of ionic liquid-plasticized polymers are succinctly explained. This review also underlines proposed applications of ionic liquid-plasticized polymers. In conclusion, numerous studies have revealed that the addition of ionic liquids decreases the glass transition temperature, degree of crystallinity, and degradation temperature of polymers. This reduction is ascribed to the plasticizing effect of ionic liquids. The proposed applications of ionic liquid-plasticized polymers align with global trends toward multifunctionality, sustainability, and innovative materials.
Shamsuri et al. (Thu,) studied this question.