Towards Prevailing Bioplastics: Add a Little Seasoning
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초록
내용
Polymer synthesis is like cooking a meal. Two methods need to select the right ingredient, apply external energy for the preparation and have the ability to architect the structure but most importantly, seasoning with the right component is essential. Afterward, they require numerous testing, evaluation, and application. Ironically, despite the far-reaching similarity between the two, both of their products end up on our dinner table. Herein, we propose a new generation of PBS synthesis that can change the traditional chemical composition and significantly improve mechanical performance. Just like cooking, we have carefully selected seasoning ingredients, such as tartaric acid and citric acid, to function as crosslinkers. The addition of these monomers at a minuscule level enabled PBS to sustain most of its properties but nano-scale changes that “pinched” the amorphous region have amplified to have a tremendous impact on the mechanical aspect that allowed PBS to be manufactured as a successful plastic substitute.