A sustainable cellulose bioplastic film with extraordinary mechanical performance regenerated by vapor-induced phase separation

<p>We urgently need eco-friendly alternatives to non-biodegradable petrochemical plastics. Our study introduces a streamlined Vapor-Induced Phase Separation (VIPS) process, followed by stretching and hot-pressing (VIPS-S-P), to produce a regenerated cellulose bioplastic (VSP-RCB). This bioplastic showcases exceptional mechanical strength in wet and dry conditions, water stability, transparency, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and thermal stability. The scalable VIPS process involves cellulose dissolved in DMAc-LiCl coagulating with atmospheric water vapor to form a transparent organohydrogel (RCOH). The RCOH is aligned through stretching and densified via hot-pressing, creating a fully recyclable product from diverse cellulose sources. Molecular dynamics simulations and life-cycle assessment (LCA) explain RCOH generation mechanisms and environmental impacts. The VIPS-S-P strategy provides a sustainable approach to producing robust, transparent, water-stable, and biodegradable cellulose-based bioplastics, offering a compelling alternative to petrochemical plastics.</p>