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Carbohydrate-Based Reprocessable and Healable Covalent Adaptable Biofoams
Chandan Upadhyay1, Umaprasana Ojha1,2
1Department of Sciences & Humanities, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, 229304, India.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|May 25, 2024
Summary
New biofoams offer a sustainable alternative to plastics. These self-healing and recyclable covalent adaptable biofoams (CABs) are derived from plants and show promise for solar energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Growing demand for eco-friendly materials to combat plastic waste.
- Need for self-healing and recyclable polymers in various applications.
- Limitations of conventional isocyanate-based polyurethane foams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop sustainable, bio-based covalent adaptable biofoams (CABs).
- To provide an alternative to toxic polyurethane foams.
- To investigate self-healing and recycling capabilities of new biofoams.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polyester-based CABs from carbohydrates and bio-derived precursors.
- Utilizing catalyst-free conditions for synthesis.
- Characterization of mechanical properties, self-healing, and reprocessing.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of CABs with dynamic β-keto carboxylate linkages.
- Demonstrated self-healing and recyclability.
- Achieved adequate tensile properties, including compressive strength (≤123 MPa).
- Exhibited swift stress relaxation and reprocessability at 150 °C.
- Showcased potential for solar photovoltaic attachment to enhance efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Developed sustainable, self-healing, and recyclable biofoams as an alternative to conventional foams.
- CABs possess suitable mechanical resilience and limited swellability for commodity applications.
- Potential applications include solar energy augmentation and other uses.
