Green, recyclable, mechanically robust, wet-adhesive and ionically conductive cellulose-based bioplastics enabled by supramolecular covalent hydrophobic eutectic networks

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Feb;258(Pt 1):128795. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128795. Epub 2023 Dec 17.

Abstract

The development of novel cellulose-based bioplastics (CBPs) is highly desirable because CBPs are green, rationally use resources, and lead to a reduction in environmental pollution compared to alternative materials. However, incorporating high transparency, water resistance, mechanical robustness, wet-adhesion, ionic conductivity and recyclability into CBP remains a challenge. In this paper, novel CBPs with supramolecular covalent networks are fabricated by introducing polymerizable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) into ethylcellulose (EC) networks through in situ plasticization followed by a rapid photopolymerization process. The excellent molecular interfacial compatibility enables EC to be loaded with a high content of poly(HDES), while allowing high transparency (more than 90 %) of the prepared CBPs. Multiple intermolecular interactions provide CBPs with mechanical robustness, water resistance, and underwater adhesion, and CBPs can be readily recovered by the solvent in a closed loop. Moreover, CBPs possess inherent ionic conductivities, and using them as green substrates, personalized electroluminescent devices can be successfully constructed. The method proposed in this paper provides a new strategy for the preparation of multifunctional CBPs, which will greatly enrich their applications in self-adhesive materials, green flexible electronics and other package materials.

Keywords: Bioplastics; Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent; Recyclability.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple*
  • Biopolymers
  • Cellulose*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Malformations of Cortical Development*
  • Water*

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Cellulose
  • Water

Supplementary concepts

  • Perisylvian syndrome