Small molecule hydrogen-bonded toughen nacre-inspired montmorillonite-konjac glucomannan-glycerin film with superior mechanical, transparent and UV-blocking properties

The intelligent deformation of organic matter in nacre lamellar structure endows nacre high strength and toughness. However, how to increase energy dissipation by imitating the organic layer deformation of nacre to achieve superior mechanical properties with high strength and toughness is still a challenge. In this study, we employed dynamic small molecular hydrogen bonds to toughen a nacre-like composite. Hence, glycerin(Gly) toughened montmorillonite(MMT) konjac glucomannan(KGM) nanocomposites were firstly constructed by vacuum-assisted filtration. The hydrogen-bonded small molecule results in the tensile strength of MMT-KGM-Gly remaining at 214.9 MPa and the toughness up to 12.3 MJ m-3, which were superior than those of other MMT/ polymer composites. The ordered layered structure and MMT nanosheet endow the nacre-like film high trans-parency and UV shielding performance, which greatly expands its application prospects in the field of optics, aerospace, and construction.

Automated summary

Utilizing dynamic small molecular hydrogen bonds, the study successfully enhanced the toughness of montmorillonite-konjac glucomannan-glycerin composite, improving its strength and toughness, which were superior to other MMT/polymer composites.