A novel strategy to construct an integrated bamboo‐based biodegradable material by synergetic enhancement of multiphase interfacial compatibility

Abstract Eco‐friendly bamboo‐based plastics are expected to be a promising potential as a sustainable resource in the next generation of bio‐based materials. However, the difference in wettability and the interfacial compatibility between bamboo powder (Bp) and the polymer matrix caused significant trouble in being integrated into fully biodegradable materials. This study presented a simple novel strategy to enhance multiphase interfacial interactions among activated Bp, PLA, and PBAT. Importantly, originating from the synergistic effect of natural polyphenol and amino silane coupling agent, a flexible activated layer with rich reactive sites was created on the surface of Bp to endow super reactivity. Furthermore, by the melt blending technique, the activated Bp units as a bridge effectively promoted the formation of an integrated structure by introducing high‐density covalent and non‐covalent bonding between PLA and PBAT. Bp‐reinforced PLA/PBAT composites exhibited notable mechanical performance with a stiffness‐toughness balance. The mechanical properties of the PLA‐1BpTK‐PBAT composite (with 1 wt% activated content) were enhanced, including tensile strength and elongation at break increased by 23.82% and 53.13%, compared with the Bp‐based PLA/PBAT composite. Additionally, Bp‐reinforced PLA/PBAT composites possessed good thermal stability and better hydrophobicity, which were conducive to further application. This work provides a new industrially relevant route to develop fully biodegradable bamboo‐based composites integrated into three phases with high performance. Highlights Integrated bamboo‐based PLA/PBAT composites were successfully produced. Activated bamboo powder improved the multiphase interfacial compatibility. Synergetic enhancement stemmed from incorporating polyphenol with amino silane. Bamboo‐based PLA/PBAT composites exhibited notable stiffness–toughness balance.