Strengthening cellulose acetate via solution-reprocessible dynamic interaction with poly(4-pinacolatoborylstyrene) cross-linkers

Cellulose acetate (CA) is an important group of polymeric materials that have found broad applications. However, the narrow range of processing temperature causes difficulties to improve the mechanical properties of CA. In this work, poly(4-pinacolatoborylstyrene) (PB) was synthesized and employed as a macromolecular cross-linker for CA. Due to the dynamic coordination interaction between the boron center and hydroxyl groups on PB and CA, respectively, CA samples could be easily handled via the solution processing method. The addition of macromolecular PB additives (2.5wt%) have successfully enhanced the mechanical properties, rheological properties of CA without losing the transparent appearance. Furthermore, the obtained CA materials could be recycled via solution reprocessing without apparent decrease of the mechanical properties.

Automated summary

In this study, a multi-functional polymer PB was synthesized and successfully utilized as a cross-linker for CA. The mechanical and rheological properties of CA were improved without compromising its transparent appearance by the dynamic coordination interaction between PB and CA. The obtained CA materials could be recycled via solution reprocessing without significant decrease in mechanical properties.