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Robust, Thermo-Malleable, and Closed-Loop Recyclable Mulberry Paper/Polyimine Composite Films Enabled by Dynamic
Yisheng Liao1, Yongguang Huang1, Peipei Cheng1
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Intelligent Technology Application, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Guangxi Colleges Universities Key Laboratory of Exploitation and Utilization of Microbial and Botanical Resources, School of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China.
Researchers developed a recyclable composite film from mulberry paper and polyimine, offering high strength and thermo-malleability. This biomass-based material provides a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics with excellent mechanical properties and closed-loop recyclability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomass Utilization
Background:
- Petrochemical plastics pose environmental challenges, driving demand for high-performance, recyclable alternatives.
- Biomass-based films struggle to balance mechanical strength with closed-loop recyclability.
- Developing sustainable materials requires integrating robust performance with effective end-of-life solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a high-performance, thermo-malleable, and closed-loop recyclable composite film from biomass.
- To investigate the integration of enzyme-treated mulberry paper and a polyimine vitrimer network.
- To achieve enhanced mechanical properties, processability, and chemical recyclability in a plastic-replacement film.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a composite film by integrating enzyme-treated mulberry paper (Enzyme-MP) fiber network with an in situ formed polyimine (PI) vitrimer network.
- Utilized capillary-assisted infiltration to create a confined interpenetrating architecture.
- Investigated dynamic imine exchange for thermo-malleability and transimination for recycling.
Main Results:
- Achieved high tensile strength (70.3 MPa) and Young's modulus (2.37 GPa) with excellent thermomechanical stability.
- Demonstrated thermo-malleability for self-welding and lamination at 120 °C.
- Enabled full-component closed-loop recycling via room-temperature transimination, preserving the cellulose fiber network.
Conclusions:
- Developed a viable strategy for high-strength, processable, and chemically recyclable biomass-based composite films.
- The material offers a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics with cradle-to-cradle circulation potential.
- Highlights the successful integration of mechanical performance and recyclability in advanced biomaterials.
