Bioplastics (BPs) prepared from lignocellulose are an
excellent
replacement for petrochemical-plastics (PCPs) due to their renewability
and biodegradability. The presence of residual/added/regenerated lignin
reduced the water sensitivity; however, these BPs possessed a deep
color and low transmittance and were prone to photodegradation. Herein,
we developed a UV- and water-insensitive, colorless, transparent,
and sustainable wood-derived BP (W-BP) by pressing delignified wood
(DW) with 0.21% lignin and abundant hydrophobic crystal plane (200)
of cellulose. The DW was obtained by the pretreatment of the wood
sample with NaOH/Na2SO3 followed by H2O2 steam conditioning. The abundant hydrophobic crystal
plane (200) of cellulose in DW was demonstrated by a large ratio of
the crystal plane (200) to (110), the presence of two-dimensional
(2D) nanosheets of defibrated cellulose, and a low moisture uptake
of 8.7% of the freeze-dried DW. The aged W-BP with a thickness of
about 50 μm displayed good photostability with a ΔE* value of 2.3 and a transparency of 84% transmittance
at 550 nm. Additionally, W-BP also possessed water stability with
a wet tensile strength of 74 MPa and a low water uptake of 28.3%.
These values exceeded those of lignocellulosic BPs and some commercial
PCPs. The W-BP could replace transparent PCPs and provide indirectly
experimental support to the lignin–cellulose interaction.
Biomass‐based plastics (BPs), produced from natural polymers using a bottom‐up strategy, have been used to alleviate the environmental pollution caused by petrochemical‐based plastics (PCPs). Such BPs, however, typically require complex manufacturing processes, resulting in higher costs and reduced eco‐friendly features. Herein, a delignification‐splicing‐based strategy without adhesives for directly converting corn (Zea mays L.) husks to corn husk‐based plastic (CHP) is described. During this process, lignin is removed from the corn husks and the pores collapse to form a dense structure. The CHP, which combines high mechanical strength (118 MPa) and a Young's modulus of 7.8 GPa with excellent light transmittance (86%), can be prepared in large sheets and can potentially replace non‐renewable, non‐biodegradable PCPs. Each hm2 of cornfield can generate 1.2 hm2 of CHP annually using the strategy. The process is simple, green, scalable, and as low cost as traditional PCPs since the only consumables are corn husks, NaClO, and water. Functional CHPs, such as fluorescent or hydrophobic CHPs, can be fabricated by impregnating delignified corn husk with carbon dots before pressing or by post‐pressing hydrophobilization, respectively. This work develops an alternative green and sustainable technology for eco‐friendly BPs, adds value to agricultural waste, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
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