Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Cellulose Esters: Biocomposites for the Future

Book chapter, 2005

This chapter describes the advantages of using cellulose esters as matrix binders for cellulose fibers. Biocomposites with an attractive combination of mechanical and thermal properties, at low density, were obtained by compounding cellulose fibers from various sources (including sisal, hemp, flax, coir, cotton, jute kenaf, and wood) with cellulose esters. During evaluation of various processing techniques such as extrusion, compression molding, and injection molding, we found that the rheological properties of cellulose esters are of critical importance. These properties can be adjusted by selection of different compositions of cellulose esters (varying acetyl, butyryl, and propionyl content), molecular weight, and addition of plasticizer. We found good adhesion characteristics of the cellulose fiber−cellulose ester interface. These findings obviate the need of using expensive coupling agents.