Stimulus-Induced Self-Reinforcement in Supramolecular Bamboo Plastics toward Mechanical Robustness and Programmable Shapeability

The widespread use of petrochemical plastics has made environmental problems and health risks increasingly prominent. While bioplastics hold promise as alternatives, their limited heat resistance and shaping capabilities hinder widespread adoption in high-performance engineering. Here, we present an innovative supramolecular network that utilizes cellulose as a molecular framework, complemented by acrylamide molecules for in situ polymerization. By applying ethanol for structural reconstruction, we create a self-reinforcing bioplastic (S-bioplastic) with a tensile strength of 76 MPa and a flexural modulus of 4.7 GPa. This S-bioplastic supports multiple molding techniques—such as injection and compression molding—and exhibits remarkable environmental adaptability, with thermal stability up to 180°C and low-temperature resilience to −196°C. Compared to conventional plastics, S-bioplastic offers enhanced mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and recyclability, achieving a 95% retention of strength. A techno-economic analysis underscores its value proposition. This research highlights a method for converting bamboo-based materials into high-value bioplastics, providing a promising strategy to address plastic pollution while developing lightweight, high-performance materials for aerospace applications.