In Situ Nanoscale Reinforcement Poly(Butylene Diglycolate- <i>co</i> -Furandicarboxylate) (PBDF) Degradable Bioplastics Using Boron Nitride Nanosheets

Green and biodegradable polyesters derived from biomass are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable petroleum-based plastics. The mechanical properties and moisture resistance of bioplastics, however, are often insufficient for practical applications. Herein, we report a simple and feasible in situ nanoscale reinforcement strategy for constructing a high-performance degradable bioplastic based on poly(butylene diglycolate-co-furandicarboxylate) (PBDF) and ultrathin boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs). During this process, hydroxylated BNNSs are incorporated in situ, resulting in a uniform dispersion and the formation of nanoscale entanglements and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the PBDF matrix and nanosheets. This in situ reinforced PBDF material has significantly improved tensile strength (∼54 MPa), toughness (115 MJ/m3), and modulus (∼1.2 GPa) compared with those of current petroleum-based degradable plastics (for example, commercial PBAT), as well as increased water stability. Its representative O2 permeability coefficient is only 0.021 barrer, which is more than 36-fold lower than that of conventional petroleum-based plastics, indicating its superior gas barrier performance. Furthermore, the in situ reinforced PBDF bioplastic shows a lower environmental impact because it can be safely biodegraded in water and enzyme environments. This in situ nanoscale reinforcement strategy provides a promising route for producing strong, high-barrier, and degradable bioplastics as ideal alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.