Universal and Green Strategy for Super-Tough Citrate-Based Polymers via Strong Hydrogen Bonds
Lu Wana b c d, Hongsen Zhuc d, Fu Xua b, Yufeng Duana b, Xuejiao Liangd e, Qiong Luod e, Qiang Xud e, Zhaolei Lia b✉, Qiuhong Zhangc d f✉, Xudong Jiac d f✉
- aDepartment of Polymer Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering
- bJiangsu University of Science and Technology
- cKey Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- dNanjing University
- eState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences
- fState Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry
- ✉Corresponding author
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Abstract
Citrate-based biodegradable elastomers face significant practical limitations due to their inherently poor mechanical properties. While existing enhancement strategies can partially address this issue, they often rely on toxic catalysts or damage inherent material advantages. Here, we establish strong hydrogen bonds in the cross-linked networks of citrate-based polymers by a PBS impregnation method to improve their mechanical properties. Based on the strategy, poly(1,8-octanediol- co -citrate) can increase its toughness by 109-fold, transforming it into a bioplastic with mechanical characteristics superior to those of polylactic acid. Moreover, the strategy demonstrates universal applicability across the family of citrate-based polymers while preserving intrinsic specialties and advantages.