Biomaterials, such as thin films or fibers, can be fabricated with minimal defects and enhanced hydrophobicity from renewable lignocellulosic feedstock and can serve as alternatives for synthetic petrochemical-based materials. Our previous research has shown that, ionic liquid-based dopes of lignocellulosic biomass, namely hybrid poplar, formed a continuous 3D network upon regeneration with dispersed domains of less than 100 nm in size. We also determined that hot water pretreatment of hybrid poplar at 160 °C for 90 min led to the formation of highly viscous ionic liquid-dopes that produced denser films with rougher surfaces. This display of controllable morphology and orderly structural arrangement established that we could fabricate sustainable materials with superior tensile strength and hydrophobicity, with minimal water vapor adsorption. In this study, we investigated the potential to recycle hybrid poplar thin films made from 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium formate dopes. The number of times these films could be recycled and the resulting generational yields were determined. Additionally, the subsequent changes in chemical composition, physico-chemical architecture as well as tensile strength were monitored. We also investigated the biodegradation and mineralization by incubating the thin films in soil under controlled conditions. The resulting periodic weight losses and changes in molecular weight as well as physico-chemical properties were documented for up to three months. Overall, the current research establishes the factors affecting thin film performance during recycling as well as enumerates the positive effects on the environment via biodegradation.

Investigating the recyclability and biodegradation of lignocellulosic films fabricated using ionic liquids

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.