All-cellulose composites prepared by partial dissolving of cellulose fibers from musaceae leaf-sheath waste

Self-reinforced all-cellulose composites were produced in situ by partial dissolution in lithium chloride/N,N dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc) of cellulose fibers isolated from Musaceae leaf sheaths resides. These composites show two phases, a continuous phase formed by the dissolution of fibers that transformation to cellulose II and another phase non-dissolved fibers of cellulose I, which acts as self-reinforcing as shown in SEM images. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the coexistence of cellulose I and cellulose II polymorphs. The higher Young's modulus (4.6 GPa) and tensile strength (95 MPa) are resulting in the optimum relationship between fibers/matrix due to enough LiCl/DMAc to form the matrix and unify fibers with a good interface and optical transparency. These results are seven and twenty-one times higher than that of C0, respectively. In addition, the use of these agro-industrial waste as a raw material in the production of all-cellulose composites offers an opportunity to obtain sustainable and environmentally friendly materials as an alternative for packaging industries.

Automated summary

Self-reinforced all-cellulose composites were successfully produced by partially dissolving cellulose fibers in LiCl/DMAc to form cellulose II and leaving some undissolved cellulose I fibers, which act as self-reinforcing elements. The presence of both cellulose I and cellulose II polymorphs, along with a good interface and optical transparency, result in composites with higher Young's modulus and tensile strength. The use of agricultural waste as raw material offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for packaging industries.