Microfibrillated cellulose-reinforced bio-based poly(propylene carbonate) with dual shape memory and self-healing properties

Abstract

A novel biological friendly shape memory polymer and self-healing polymer based on poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was prepared. MFC was firstly modified by a one-step mechanic-chemical approach involves ball milling and esterification reaction. In this way MFC could be incorporated into PPC up to 20 wt% with excellent dispersion. The formation of "MFC network" structure in the PPC matrix was verified via scanning electron microscopic and the strong interfacial interaction between PPC and MFC was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The incorporation of MFC not only significantly enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability, but also acted as physical cross-linkers, which could improve the shape memory property of PPC at definite content (5~10 wt%). More importantly, with the assistance of shape memory effect and the reinforcement of MFC fibers, the polymer composites also showed much enhanced scratch resistance and scratch self-healing behavior. Our work provides a composite approach to tune the shape memory behaviors of polymer composites and may contribute to the application of PPC in smart materials field.

Nanocomposites of Polymeric Biomaterials Containing Carbonate Groups: An Overview

“…Pro Plus Image estimates the size of white dots to be in the range of 20–30 nm, which is similar to the diameter of CNCs . On the other hand, SEM was employed to observe the dispersion state of MFC fibers in the PPC matrix, and the results are shown in Figure ll–qq . Compared with the smooth surface of neat PPC, all PPC/MFC presented typical crumpled morphologies that became more visible with the increasing content of MFC .…”

“…To obtain PPC/DMF NCs, certain amount of MFC/DMF solution was added into the PPC/DMF solution under vigorous stirring for 2 h, and then the homogeneous PPC/MFC/DMF solution was poured into glass frames. The casting films were dried in an air‐circulating oven at 70 °C to quickly remove DMF and then dried in a vacuum oven at 60 °C for 48 h . By using a solvent‐exchange and solution casting approach, a high‐content of GO was incorporated into a soft biodegradable CO 2 ‐based PPC up to 20 wt% with excellent dispersion .…”

“…However, a poor thermal stability for PPC was achieved after applying CNCs due to the thermosensitive sulfate groups located on the surface of CNCs . The significant efficiency of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the shape memory effect and self‐healing of PPC has been detected by Qi et al The shape memory behavior of MFC fibers created a recovery effect in scratch resistance and self‐healing response of PPC/MFC composites . APCs/nHA NCs were produced as scaffolds with smooth surface for artificial bone applications.…”

Carbon Dioxide–Derived Poly(propylene carbonate) as a Matrix for Composites and Nanocomposites: Performances and Applications

“…However, it was found that the treatments of switchgrass did not have any effect on the mechanical properties compared to that of the untreated switchgrass composites . Qi et al . developed PPC/acetylated micro‐fibrillated cellulose (MFC) composites by solution casting.…”

Facile one-pot synthesis and self-healing properties of tetrazole-based metallopolymers in the presence of iron salts

“…Nowadays, selfhealing materials [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] are under rapid development to improve the lifetime, safety, energy efficiency and environmental impact of synthetic materials. The past few decades have witnessed a rapid development in exerting such features into articial systems where polymers are used for self-healing applications.…”