Integration of inorganic ionic oligomers and nanocellulose within PVA networks: A degradable and green nanocomposite with self-healable property and high mechanical strength in a wet state

Preparation of green expandable biodegradable polymer materials with high strength and toughness has always been the goal of researchers. Although the research of biodegradable polymer materials has made some progress in recent years, it is still a huge challenge to prepare biodegradable polymer materials with green expandable technology. In this study, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), inorganic calcium phosphate oligomers (CPO ∼ 1 nm), and TEMPO oxide cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) were used to prepare composite materials through simple and green process. The obtained materials, due to the high density of hydrogen bonds and coordination interaction, are conducive to the preparation of PVA-based plastics with fracture strength ≈176.0 MPa. The breaking strength of PVA-based plastics after soaking in water for 7 days at room temperature is ≈ 16.1 MPa, similar to polyethylene in the dry state. In addition, PVA/TOCN/CPO composites can be processed into products with the required shape.