A multiple physical crosslinked cellulose-based bioplastics with robust mechanical and thermal stability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional petroleum-based plastics pose environmental and health risks.
• There is a critical need for high-performance, sustainable bioplastics.
• Efficient fabrication of robust and heat-resistant bioplastics remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a synergistic strategy for preparing high-performance bioplastics.
• To create bioplastics with enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability.
• To explore sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and tannic acid (TA) for noncovalent interactions.
• Formed ionic crosslinked networks and TA-Ca coordination bonds using Ca2+ ions.
• Investigated synergistic effects of multiple physical crosslinking networks (hydrogen and coordination bonds).

Main Results:

• Achieved cellulose-based bioplastics with dense structures and robust tensile strength (114.2 MPa).
• Bioplastics exhibited high transparency and superior thermal stability.
• Laminated composites supported up to 1,000 g, indicating potential for weighing applications.

Conclusions:

• The multiple physical crosslinking strategy enables the development of high-performance cellulose-based bioplastics.
• This approach offers a novel pathway for creating sustainable and green materials.
• The developed bioplastics present a viable alternative to conventional plastics.