Recyclable cellulose thermosets with sunlight triggered self-destruction in open natural environments

To solve the plastic waste problem and to reach circular resource efficient economy, production of plastics from biobased resources is not enough.

Biobased materials are not necessarily more biodegradable and they could be less recyclable than the petroleum-based materials.

Overall aim of this project is to develop a novel material concept for production of high-performance melt-processable, mechanically and chemically recyclable cellulose thermosets.

The proposed materials are designed for both chemical and mechanical recyclability, but also for sunlight triggered self-destruction in open environment relevant conditions.

This new paradigm for cellulose materials will be created by expanding the concept of dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) for creation of cellulose based covalent adaptable networks (CAN) and by utilizing bioderived carbon dots (CD) as green photocatalytic triggers incorporated in the reversible crosslinks.

To achieve these reversible and recyclable networks simple imine (Schiff base) chemistry under mild reaction conditions will be utilized.

Furthermore, the new materials will be based on existing large scale commercial raw materials, established chemistries and traditional melt-processing techniques to facilitate further dissemination and commercial production.

The project will advance the state-of-the art of lignocellulose-materials and contribute to sustainable material innovation and new knowledge.