Abstract
The beneficial effect of materials with high aspect ratio
as composite reinforcement has prompted continuous
interest towards cellulosic fibers. Besides providing
stiffness, fibers can potentially contribute to composite
extensibility. While mechanical treatments are typically
used to adjust the physical and surface properties of
fibers, less is known about ensuing effects on their
extensibility and that of associated networks. Fiber
network dimensional extensibility of 16% was achieved by
processing the precursor aqueous fiber dispersions
following a simple mechanical treatment with a judicious
combination of low (PFI refining) and high concentrations
and temperatures (Wing defibrator). Consequently,
deformation of fibers and increased inter-fiber bonding
resulted in a three-fold increase in strength to rupture
of the fiber network leading to the structures with
unprecedented toughness.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 191-205 |
Journal | Cellulose |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- cellulose
- composites
- deformation
- extensibility
- fibers
- formability
- mechanical treatment
- packaging
- thermoforming