Supramolecular Ionic Polymerization: Cellulose-Based Supramolecular Plastics with Broadly Tunable Mechanical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Petroleum-based plastics contribute to environmental pollution and microplastic generation.
• Developing sustainable and biodegradable alternatives from renewable resources is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a mechanically tough and sustainable cellulose-based supramolecular plastic (^CMCSP).
• To overcome the inherent brittleness of ^CMCSP using a biodegradable plasticizer.
• To demonstrate the potential of the plasticized material as a microplastic-free alternative.

Main Methods:

• Supramolecular polymerization of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and a hyperbranched polyguanidinium ion (^PEIGu).
• Incorporation of choline chloride (ChCl) as a plasticizer.
• Processing of plasticized ^CMCSP_ChCl into a plastic bag.

Main Results:

• ^CMCSP_ChCl exhibited tunable mechanical properties, ranging from stiff to elastic.
• The plasticized material was processed into a mechanically tough plastic bag.
• ^CMCSP_ChCl demonstrated perfect dissociability in seawater and closed-loop recyclability.

Conclusions:

• ^CMCSP_ChCl offers a promising, sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
• The developed plastic effectively prevents microplastic formation.
• Choline chloride is an effective plasticizer for cellulose-based supramolecular plastics.