Recently, we have demonstrated an ionic liquid-based methodology we call �natural fiber welding� which allows complex composite materials to be created while simultaneously retaining selected amounts of biopolymer in the native state.  A unique feature of natural fiber welding is its ability to selectively open up and mobilize biopolymer structures to enable chemistry; and allows the manipulation and modification of natural materials to impart new functionalities.  By precisely regulating process variables such as the purity, type, amount, and placement of ionic liquid solvent as well as the time and temperature of treatment, we have demonstrated controlled reorganization of natural material hydrogen bonding networks.  The results are often dramatic enhancement and modification of physical and chemical properties without disruption to many of the desirable properties intrinsic to natural materials.  Our presentation will include selected examples of fiber welded cellulosic and silk containing materials.  In particular, we will focus on analytical data that demonstrate and characterize the effects of critical process control variables.

Natural fiber welding: Ionic liquid facilitated biopolymer mobilization and reorganization

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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