📍 ICIQ Library

⏰  15:00 h

All-organic sustainable polymer nanocomposites from natural nanofibers

In this presentation, we aim to explore the realm of bioplastics, striving to close the loop of the carbon cycle, from conceptualization to realization, through the lens of polymer chemistry. We will introduce innovative research endeavors focused on the development of all-organic sustainable polymer nanocomposites, achieved via in situ polycondensation techniques designed to surmount existing limitations. These nanocomposites are synthesized using biorenewable monomers infused with natural cellulose nanowhiskers, minimizing their environmental impact. The subsequent polymerization process results in nanocomposites that exhibit more than a 1.5-fold increase in mechanical strength when compared to conventional methods like solution blending or melt blending. This enhancement is attributed to improved dispersion and interfacial stability between the reinforcing filler and polymer matrix.

As we embark on the next century of polymers and plastics, it is imperative that we prioritize sustainability at every stage, encompassing the design of novel chemical structures, polymerization processes, and applications geared towards achieving carbon neutrality.

References

[1] US Patent 11753510. https://patents.google.com/patent/US11753510B2/en

[2] Green Chem. 2021, 23, 2293. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC04072J

[3] Adv. Sci. 2023, 10, 2205554. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202205554

[4] Nat. Rev. Bioeng. 2024, online. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-023-00142-5