High-strength, multi-mode processable bamboo molecular bioplastic enabled by solvent-shaping regulation

Hongying Tang, Zhihan Tong, Rui Zhang, Xiaona Li, Suqing Zeng (), Dawei Zhao () and Haipeng Yu ()
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Hongying Tang: Northeast Forestry University
Zhihan Tong: Northeast Forestry University
Rui Zhang: Northeast Forestry University
Xiaona Li: Northeast Forestry University
Suqing Zeng: Northeast Forestry University
Dawei Zhao: Northeast Forestry University
Haipeng Yu: Northeast Forestry University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The global reliance on petrochemical plastics has led to severe environmental crises, necessitating sustainable alternatives that combine high performance with circularity. While bioplastics derived from biomass show promise, their widespread adoption is hindered by inferior mechanical properties, limited processability, and reliance on food-competing feedstocks. Here, we present a molecular engineering strategy to fabricate high-strength bamboo molecular plastics (BM-plastics) through a solvent-regulated shaping process. By employing deep eutectic solvents to disassemble bamboo cellulose’s hydrogen-bond network and ethanol-mediated molecular stimulation to reconstruct dense hydrogen-bond interactions, we achieve a bioplastic with exceptional mechanical strength (tensile strength: 110 MPa, flexural modulus: 6.41 GPa), thermal stability (>180 °C), and versatile processability via injection, molding, and machining techniques. The BM-plastic outperforms most commercial plastics and bioplastics in mechanical and thermo-mechanical metrics while maintaining full biodegradability in soil within 50 days and closed-loop recyclability with 90% retained strength. Techno-economic analysis confirms its cost competitiveness, bridging the gap between sustainability and industrial scalability. This work establishes a method for transforming abundant bamboo cellulose into high-performance, eco-friendly materials, offering a viable pathway to mitigate plastic pollution and fossil resource dependence.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63904-2

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