Clean synthesis and characterization of green nanostructured polymeric thin films from endogenous Mg (II) ions coordinated methylolated-Cashew nutshell liquid

Efficient utilization of renewable feedstocks has been considered pivotal in sustainable development, controlling global warming, and as an alternative to petrochemical precursors. Here, we have presented a facile one-pot synthesis method for the fabrication of bacterial resistant, free-standing polymeric films and coatings by utilizing agro-waste based precursor material. The conversion of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) into a value-added product for this application was achieved through coordination of methylolated-CNSL and Mg (II) ions (Mg(II)CNSL). The resulting metal-organic framework (MOF) was then cured by following a greener approach with zero toxic/residue production through reacting Mg(II)CNSL with aliphatic amine [Mg(II)CNSL-FA]. The formulation mechanism of nanostructured Mg(II)CNSL-FA via the ring-opening reaction of benzoxazine, its polymerization with hydroxyl groups in CNSL, and coordination of Mg(II) ions were elucidated by FTIR, ATR, XRD, SEM/TEM, and DSC studies. The performance (flexibility, swelling behaviour, and water contact angle values), morphology, and thermal stability of Mg(II)CNSL-FA films were also compared (virgin ligand, CNSL-FA). The potential application of the film as an antibacterial material has been further tested against various bacterial strains (E.coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis). Overall, the research work is expected to broaden the utilization of CNSL, an agro-waste via cleaner production of flexible, free-standing, metal ions coordinated antibacterial film with possible application in surface coatings, adsorption, and water purification.