Recent developments of all-cellulose composites from cellulose fibers – concepts, properties and applications

Saal C
Donnerstag, 14.09.2023, 14:45 - 15:10 Uhr

The presentation will describe the potential in manufacturing sustainable single material composites from cellulose, for the use in composite applications.

Sprecher
Mikael Skrifvars (University of Borås, Borås (SWE))

Single material composites have been under development for some time, and these materials are composed of a single type of material constituent, combined and processed so that a material with improved mechanical properties and better durability is achieved. Compared to conventional composites, which are composed of two different materials (for example glass fibre reinforcement and a polymer thermoset resin), single material composites can be recycled and reprocessed after end-of life, as no separation of the composite constituents are needed. Among the single material composites reported, cellulose based all-cellulose composites have shown their potential for this purpose. By dissolving and regenerating cellulose it is possible to form a composite with cellulose fibre reinforcement, in a cellulose matrix, giving a composite material with ordered cellulose fibres. The presentation will discuss and present recent research aiming at demonstrating the potential in further development of all-cellulose composites. Cellulose textiles have been partly dissolved by using ionic liquids and NaOH-urea, in a laboratory process. Laminates of various thickness and dimensions have been made by stacking several layers of the dissolved composites, and the composite was formed by regeneration. The final consolidated shape was formed by compression moulding. In the research we have used both recycled end-of life textiles (cotton denim), as well as non-woven virgin cellulose fabrics. The obtained composites have been characterized regarding mechanical and thermal properties, as well as their structural morphology by tensile testing, calorimetry as well as microscopy.