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Emulsion-engineered polylactide-based polyurethane/MXene films for high-performance flexible and biointegrated
Oceu Dwi Putri1,2, Atitsa Petchsuk3, Shu Han Hsu1
1School of Integrated Science and Innovation, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
Iscience
|February 3, 2026
Summary
This study developed flexible, conductive films from recycled polylactide (PLA) and MXene for wearable electronics. These sustainable materials show promise for advanced health monitoring devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Designing resilient, conductive soft polymers for wearables is challenging.
- Low filler loading and mechanical robustness are key requirements.
- Sustainable material sourcing is increasingly important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create flexible, conductive films using sustainable polylactide (PLA)-based polyurethane (PU) and MXene.
- To achieve low filler loading and enhanced mechanical properties.
- To explore PLA upcycling for high-performance electronic materials.
Main Methods:
- Depolymerization of PLA into polyol precursors via microwave-assisted alcohol-acidolysis.
- Synthesis of PLA-based PU.
- Emulsion-assisted processing of PLA-PU and delaminated MXene (Ti3C2Tx) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a compatibilizer.
Main Results:
- Hybrid films exhibited superior MXene dispersion and significantly lower percolation thresholds (≤10 wt %) compared to solution-cast films (≥40 wt %).
- Optimal tensile strength and flexibility were achieved with 6:4 and 7:3 PLA-PU/MXene/PVA compositions.
- The films demonstrated sensitive and reproducible responses to both macro- (finger bending) and micro-strains (vocal/laryngeal vibrations).
Conclusions:
- This work successfully upcycles PLA into high-performance, flexible conductive films.
- The developed materials offer a promising pathway for next-generation health monitoring and bio-integrated systems.
- The use of biocompatible precursors enhances the suitability for wearable applications.
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