Flexural and impact properties of all-cellulose composite laminates

All-cellulose composites (ACCs) represent a class of biocomposite that are entirely synthesised from cellulose, resulting in a matrix and reinforcing phase that are chemically identical. The flexural strength, puncture impact strength and unnotched Charpy impact strength of ACC laminates are reported for the first time and compared with conventional biocomposites. In this study, the flexural and impact properties of ACC laminates based solely on a rayon textile were investigated. It is observed that all-cellulose composite laminates exceed the impact properties of most conventional biocomposites. A high level of fibre matrix adhesion was observed to hinder interlaminar failure. The unique combination of high flexural and impact strength of ACC laminates demonstrates the potential of ACC laminates as a new class of biocomposite. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.