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Emergent Self-Assembly of Sustainable Plastics Based on Amino Acid Nanocrystals
Summary
Researchers developed a biodegradable composite material from hydroxyethyl cellulose and tyrosine nanocrystals that achieves both high strength and ductility — properties rarely combined — through a self-assembly process that creates uniform nanoscale morphology, offering a promising sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
Development of biodegradable plastic materials is of primary importance in view of acute environmental and health problems associated with the accumulation of plastic waste. We fabricated a biodegradable composite material based on hydroxyethyl cellulose polymer and tyrosine nanocrystals, which demonstrates enhanced strength and ductility (typically mutually excluding properties), superior to most biodegradable plastics. This emergent behavior results from an assembly pattern that leads to a uniform nanoscale morphology and strong interactions between the components. Water-resistant biodegradable composites encapsulated with hydrophobic polycaprolactone as a protection layer were also fabricated. Self-assembly of robust sustainable plastics with emergent properties by using readily available building blocks provides a valuable toolbox for creating sustainable materials.