Cellulose-based biocomposites are emerging in targeted applications in packaging, bioplastics, construction, biomedical and automotive industries. In this work we present our results in developing novel cellulose-based biocomposites based on supramolecular functionalization of fibres using layered double hydroxides (LDH), high pressure shaping of all cellulose materials and supramolecular composites of cellulose and natural oils and resins. Cellulose-LDH hybrid fibres materials have been prepared and showed enhanced properties in flame retardance and compatibilisation with hydrophobic matrices. Cellulose-based composites with acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) were used to prepare 3D materials. The existence of hydrophobic interactions between AESO molecules and cellulose hydrophobic domains was proposed. AESO aggregates captured and covered by cellulose chains increase the flexibility of the composites acting as specific plasticizer and after polymerization introduce strength to the material. Cellulose-natural resin composites were prepared using shellac resin as matrix, reinforced with cellulose. The influence of the reinforcement content, as well as, the concentration of additives on mechanical performance and the facility to process was studied. As result, a wide range of mechanical properties were obtained: high content of cellulose, but low concentration of ethanol and polyethylene glycol provided biocomposite with  high stress resistance and Young’s modulus, while lower cellulose content and high concentration of additives gave samples with low Young’s modulus and high elasticity. Finally, all cellulose composites were prepared using a combination of swelling in cellulose solvents and high pressure shaping. Compressed swollen cellulose, washed with distilled water, had lower elastic modulus and hardness compared to swollen cellulose washed with a combination of 2-propanol and deionized water. This work showed that material with lower mechanical properties will be affected more by compression and will result in higher mechanical properties after pressure treatment. Transmitted light in the visible range for both systems was increased after elevated pressure was applied. The XRD measurements revealed the decrease of the cellulose crystallinity after high pressure treatment for all swollen cellulose samples. The morphology of the compacted samples showed noticeable differences between the compact smooth surface and the layered core.

New perspectives for cellulose-based biocomposites

251st National Meeting (2016)

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