Small-Molecule-based Supramolecular Plastics Mediated by Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation.

ABSTRACT: Plastics are one of the most widely used polymeric materials. However, they are often undegradable and non-recyclable due to the very stable covalent bonds of macromolecules, causing environmental pollution and health problems. Here, we report that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) could drive the formation of robust, stable, and sustainable plastics using small molecules. The LLPS process could sequester and concentrate solutes, strengthen the non-covalent association between molecules and produce a bulk material whose property was highly related to the encapsulated water amounts. It was a robust plastic with a remarkable Young's modulus of 139.5 MPa when the water content was low while became adhesive and could instantly self-heal with more absorbed water. Finally, responsiveness ena

SUBMITTER: Yu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9804437 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature