Acetylated cellulose nanofibers enhanced bio-based polyesters derived from 10-undecanoic acid toward recyclable and degradable plastics

Abstract

The development of convenient technologies for green fabrication of bio-based polymers that are mechanically tough, recyclable and completely degradable in soil is an urgent demand. Herein, plant oil-based polyesters (PUD) were cost-effectively fabricated by polymerizing diene ester monomers derived from 10-undecanoic acid under mild solvent-free conditions with a yield of 92 %, making them environmentally friendly. Due to the presence of internal reversible forces, plant oil-based polyesters can be easily processed into various shapes and products. Plant oil-based polyester films exhibited a tensile strength of 10.0 MPa, while also being highly flexible, and water-resistant. Additionally, excellent recycling performance of polyester was achieved in a closed loop by solvent-assisted or hot-pressing depolymerization/repolymerization. Moreover, microorganisms and water in soil can completely degrade plant oil-based polyesters within 15 weeks. However, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of plant oil-based polyesters are still anticipated. Therefore, the addition of acetylated cellulose nanofibers (ACNF) to plant oil-based polyester matrix has obtained the production of biodegradable composites with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and barrier properties. The high-performance and eco-friendly nanocomposite has the potential to facilitate the multifunctional utilization of cellulose nanofibers and practical applications of plant oils.