Mechanochemistry, deep eutectic solvents and dynamic cross-linking strategies are combined to achieve the one-step preparation of stalk plastics

Stalk is an important biomass resource and converting it directly into high value-added products is a major challenge. Herein, we have cleverly utilized three novel techniques, mechanochemistry, Deep eutectic solvents (DES), and dynamic cross-linking, to achieve one-step in-situ plasticization of virtually worthless corn stalk into reprocessable thermoset plastics. This preparation strategy has many advantages, such as cheap and easy availability of raw materials, no need for catalysts, no need for pretreatment of raw materials, and no need for separation and purification of products. The stalk plastics have good mechanical strength, thermal stability, plasticity and reprocessability. In addition, cellulose plastic was prepared as a control experiment for stalk plastic, and the constitutive relationship between the structure of various components in stalk and the performance of plastic was deeply investigated. This strategy of developing new plastics from agricultural and forestry waste in a simple and environmentally friendly way will open up a whole new avenue for the production of more competitive bio-based plastics.