High-performance all-cellulose composites bulks enabled by a surface dissolution-intense shear plasticization...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• All-cellulose composites (ACC) offer high mechanical properties and biodegradability, making them potential replacements for petroleum-based plastics.
• Fabricating robust ACC structural components is challenging due to strong cellulose molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel plasticization strategy for fabricating high-performance ACC films and bulks.
• To overcome processing challenges associated with strong cellulose intermolecular forces.

Main Methods:

• A plasticization strategy involving surface dissolution and intense shear using ionic liquids and a twin-roller mixer.
• Characterization of cellulose morphology and crystal structure during processing.
• Establishment of processing windows for ACC bulks via a layer-by-layer method.

Main Results:

• Uniform surface dissolution achieved at up to 60 wt% cellulose content.
• ACC films exhibit tensile strength up to 98.20 ± 6.60 MPa.
• ACC bulk laminates show flexural strength >100 MPa and modulus >9 GPa, with complete biodegradability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method efficiently produces high-performance, biodegradable ACC structural components.
• This strategy enables the use of sustainable cellulose resources for advanced material applications.