ACS Nano,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
18(12), P. 8906 - 8918
Published: March 14, 2024
Natural
polymeric-based
bioplastics
usually
lack
good
mechanical
or
processing
performance.
It
is
still
challenging
to
achieve
simultaneous
improvement
for
these
two
usual
trade-off
features.
Here,
we
demonstrate
a
full
noncovalent
mediated
self-assembly
design
simultaneously
improving
the
chitinous
bioplastic
and
properties
via
plane
hot-pressing.
Tannic
acid
(TA)
chosen
as
mediator
(i)
increase
cross-link
intensity
obtaining
tough
network
(ii)
afford
dynamic
cross-links
enable
mobility
of
chitin
molecular
chains
benefiting
nanostructure
rearrangement
during
shaping
procedure.
The
multiple
(chitin–TA
chitin–chitin
cross-links)
pressure-induced
orientation
nanofibers
structure
endow
with
robust
properties.
relatively
weak
chitin–TA
interactions
serve
water
mediation
switches
enhance
endowing
chitin/TA
hydroplastic
properties,
rendering
them
readily
programmable
into
versatile
2D/3D
shapes.
Moreover,
fully
natural
resourced
exhibits
superior
weld,
solvent
resistance,
biodegradability,
enabling
potential
diverse
applications.
physical
cross-linking
mechanism
highlights
an
effective
concept
balancing
processability
polymeric
materials.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
14(1)
Published: Sept. 2, 2023
Abstract
The
manipulation
of
internal
interactions
at
the
molecular
level
within
biological
fibers
is
particular
importance
but
challenging,
severely
limiting
their
tunability
in
macroscopic
performances
and
applications.
It
thus
becomes
imperative
to
explore
new
approaches
enhance
fibers’
stability
environmental
tolerance
impart
them
with
diverse
functionalities,
such
as
mechanical
recoverability
stimulus-triggered
responses.
Herein,
we
develop
a
dynamic
imine
fiber
chemistry
(DIFC)
approach
engineer
fabricate
strong
tough
protein
actuating
behaviors.
resulting
DIF
exhibit
extraordinary
performances,
outperforming
many
recombinant
silks
synthetic
polymer
fibers.
Remarkably,
impaired
caused
by
fatigue
or
acid
treatment
are
quickly
recovered
water
directed
DIFC
strategy.
Reproducible
performance
observed.
also
exotic
extreme
temperatures
(e.g.,
−196
°C
150
°C).
When
triggered
humidity,
endows
actuation
behaviors,
self-folding,
self-stretching,
self-contracting.
Therefore,
established
represents
an
alternative
strategy
strengthen
may
pave
way
for
high-tech
ACS Nano,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
18(12), P. 8906 - 8918
Published: March 14, 2024
Natural
polymeric-based
bioplastics
usually
lack
good
mechanical
or
processing
performance.
It
is
still
challenging
to
achieve
simultaneous
improvement
for
these
two
usual
trade-off
features.
Here,
we
demonstrate
a
full
noncovalent
mediated
self-assembly
design
simultaneously
improving
the
chitinous
bioplastic
and
properties
via
plane
hot-pressing.
Tannic
acid
(TA)
chosen
as
mediator
(i)
increase
cross-link
intensity
obtaining
tough
network
(ii)
afford
dynamic
cross-links
enable
mobility
of
chitin
molecular
chains
benefiting
nanostructure
rearrangement
during
shaping
procedure.
The
multiple
(chitin–TA
chitin–chitin
cross-links)
pressure-induced
orientation
nanofibers
structure
endow
with
robust
properties.
relatively
weak
chitin–TA
interactions
serve
water
mediation
switches
enhance
endowing
chitin/TA
hydroplastic
properties,
rendering
them
readily
programmable
into
versatile
2D/3D
shapes.
Moreover,
fully
natural
resourced
exhibits
superior
weld,
solvent
resistance,
biodegradability,
enabling
potential
diverse
applications.
physical
cross-linking
mechanism
highlights
an
effective
concept
balancing
processability
polymeric
materials.
