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In this work, porous PBAT monoliths were fabricated via a solvent-based thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method, and the pore morphology was tuned by adjusting the solvent ratio and polymer concentration. Furthermore, annealing treatment significantly enhanced the elasticity of the PBAT monoliths, reducing plastic deformation after 70% compression from 43 to 12%. Mechanistic analysis revealed that annealing improved defective crystals formed during phase separation, leading to enhanced structural integrity and mechanical performance.In this work, porous PBAT monoliths were fabricated via a solvent-based thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method, and the pore morphology was tuned by adjusting the solvent ratio and polymer concentration. Furthermore, annealing treatment significantly enhanced the elasticity of the PBAT monoliths, reducing plastic deformation after 70% compression from 43% to 12%. Mechanistic analysis revealed that annealing improved defective crystals formed during phase separation, leading to enhanced structural integrity and mechanical performance.

Blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) are promising biodegradable plastics, although their poor compatibility results in poor physical properties. In this study, oligo(lactic acid)-grafted starch (OLAgSt) was synthesized and added to PLA/TPS blends as a compatibilizer, and the physical properties of the obtained blends were evaluated. OLAgSt was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide using the hydroxy group of tapioca starch as an initiator. OLAgSt not only enhanced the dispersion of TPS within PLA, but also improved the biodegradability of the blend in a seawater environment.

Surface oxidation method using chlorine dioxide radical (ClO₂^•) for poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) was developed. During the oxidation reaction, sulfonyl groups and sulfite groups were successfully introduced to the surface of the PPS films. The water contact angle of the surface of the PPS film decreased dramatically after the oxidation, indicating that the surface hydrophilicity was improved. Electroless plating demonstrates that typical metals could be tightly deposited on the surface of oxidized PPS film and cannot be removed. This method provides an effective, clean, energy-saving treatment for super engineering plastics.

In this study, we developed starch-based films with tunable disintegration and dissolution rates in freshwater and seawater. The modified starch was mixed with oxidized cellulose or a water-soluble polymer to produce transparent, homogeneous films. Hydrogen bonding stabilized the films in freshwater, while in seawater, the hydrogen bond crosslinks dissociated, causing the film to dissolve rapidly. This technology offers a strategic balance between water resistance in everyday environments and controlled disintegration in marine conditions, presenting a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics with potential applications across various industrial sectors.

In this study, to improve the compatibility of PLA and starch, the hydroxyl groups of the starch were modified with acetoacetic acid, and amine-modified silicone was used as a compatibilizer. PLA/SAA/amine-modified silicone blends were prepared by melt-kneading. The toughness of PLA/SAA was improved by about 15 times by adding 3 wt% amine-modified silicone. This approach can contribute to the widespread use of biodegradable plastics in packaging materials and single-use plastics.