Can Organic Eutectics Replace Conventional Plastics?

Researchers at the University of Warwick have made significant strides in finding sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. As environmental concerns rise and consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly options, the team has discovered that certain combinations of small organic molecules create materials with promising properties.

These new materials, known as organic eutectics, are made by blending crystalline components to form unique glasses and viscous liquids. The researchers developed a series of hydrophobic eutectic molecular liquids and glasses by carefully mixing different crystalline components. Advanced techniques like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to precisely determine the compositions, and a trained model was employed to ensure accuracy in material blending.

One major challenge for sustainable alternatives is ensuring long-term stability. The Warwick team tackled this by testing these amorphous materials for up to 14 months using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) to confirm they resist crystallization. This durability is crucial for maintaining product quality over time.

In addition to stability, the team examined the rheological properties of these materials. They found that the liquids had low fragility indices, making them suitable for various manufacturing processes like glassblowing, fiber pulling, film formation, and molding.

The researchers also demonstrated that the properties of these materials can be customized by blending different eutectic systems or adding plasticizers.

Prof. Dr. ir. Stefan Bon, the lead investigator, explained that their goal was to create a material that was not only an alternative to plastics but also versatile. The study, now published in Chemical Science, revealed that the hydrophobic eutectic systems had unexpectedly impressive physical properties. The team, including Prof. Gabriele Sosso, used computer simulations to explore how these mixtures interact at a molecular level. They see these materials as a non-covalent alternative to dynamic reversible macromolecular materials, or vitrimers.

To prove the practical potential of these materials, the researchers conducted a controlled release study with a eutectic system made from 4-hydroxychalcone and bifonazole. This study highlighted the potential uses of eutectic materials in fields such as drug delivery and other applications.