Novel high-strength biocomposites based on microfibrillated cellulose having nano-order-unit web-like network structure

A completely new kind of high-strength composite was manufactured using microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) derived from kraft pulp. Because of the unique structure of nano-order-scale interconnected fibrils and microfibrils greatly expanded in the surface area that characterizes MFC, it was possible to produce composites that exploit the extremely high strength of microfibrils. The Young's modulus ( E) and bending strength (sigma(b)) of composites using phenolic resin as binder achieved values up to 19 GPa and 370 MPa, respectively, with a density of 1.45 g/cm(2), exhibiting outstanding mechanical properties for a plant-fiber-based composite.