The hydrophobic small-molecule eutectic materials discovered by researchers at Warwick University can be cast as flexible films, or drawn as a fiber.
Once celebrated as a miracle material, plastic has become a global scourge. With the rising plastic waste, the search for sustainable alternatives is urgent.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have now developed a new eco-friendly alternative solution.
The team is exploring a new class of materials called organic eutectics — mixtures of small organic molecules that behave like plastics but are far more sustainable.
These materials show potential as substitutes for traditional polymers in a wide range of applications. Moreover, the material is stable and processable.
The study showcased small-molecule eutectic materials’ adaptability by creating baubles through glassblowing, logos through molding, films through casting, and fibers through drawing.
The team systematically combined small, water-repellent organic molecules and was amazed by the exceptional properties of the resulting eutectic systems.
The researchers managed to create a range of water-repellent eutectic liquids and glasses by mixing crystalline substances.
“Using advanced techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV-vis spectroscopy, the eutectic compositions were precisely determined,” the press release mentioned.
“The analysis was refined using a trained partial least squares regression model, ensuring accuracy in identifying the optimal material blends,” it added.
The team highlights that a primary hurdle in developing sustainable plastic replacements is guaranteeing long-term durability.
They tackled this challenge by subjecting the amorphous (shapeless) materials to rigorous powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis over 14 months. This confirmed their resistance to crystallization, a vital factor in maintaining product integrity.
“This durability is crucial for ensuring that products maintain their integrity throughout their shelf life,” the authors mentioned in the press statement.
To complement their stability tests, the researchers explored the materials’ processability by examining their rheological behavior. Rheology assesses how a material behaves when it’s being shaped or molded.
Interestingly, all liquids demonstrated “low fragility indices,” indicating their suitability for a wide range of manufacturing techniques including glassblowing, fiber pulling, film formation, and molding.
The team proved these materials could be customized for specific uses by mixing different eutectics or adding plasticizers.
“The original plan was to develop an anything-but-plastic concept material for the formulation industry,” said Stefan Bon, lead investigator of the work.
Computer simulations were used to examine how these eutectic mixtures behaved at the molecular level.
“These small molecule organic eutectic systems offer an opportunity to further develop high-performance materials that can replace conventional polymers in various applications,” Bon stated in the press release.
To showcase the practical applications of these materials, the researchers conducted a controlled release study using a eutectic blend of 4-hydroxychalcone and bifonazole. The researchers were exploring the potential of this combination for drug delivery or other applications
“This study serves as a proof of concept, highlighting the versatility of eutectic materials in applications such as drug delivery and beyond.” the press release concluded.
In the future, these eco-friendly materials could be used to package electronics and even medical devices.
The findings were published in the journal Chemical Science.
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Mrigakshi Dixit Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.
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