A rapid, green method for the preparation of cellulosic self-reinforcing composites from wood and bamboo pulp

Cellulosic self-reinforcing composites (CSRCs) were rapidly obtained by the partial dissolution of wood and bamboo pulp using a new, green aqueous solvent at 8 degrees C. The effect of the solvent system on raw materials was investigated and it was found that lignin, and degree of polymerization (DP) hindered the self-reinforcing process. CSRCs were characterized in terms of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The results demonstrate cellulose I was replaced partially by cellulose II, which acts as a matrix for the linking fibers. The tensile strength of the softwood dissolving pulp was shown to have increased by a factor of >9.

Automated summary

Utilizing a new green aqueous solvent, cellulosic self-reinforcing composites (CSRCs) were rapidly obtained by partially dissolving wood and bamboo pulp at 8 degrees C. The solvent system was found to hinder the self-reinforcing process by affecting lignin and degree of polymerization. Characterization through various methods revealed cellulose I was partially replaced by cellulose II, leading to a significant increase in tensile strength.