Reinforcing potential of wood pulp-derived microfibres in a PVA matrix

• Published in: Holzforschung Vol. 60; no. 1; pp. 53 - 58
• Main Authors: Chakraborty, Ayan, Sain, Mohin, Kortschot, Mark
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Walter de Gruyter 01.01.2006; New York, NY de Gruyter
• Subjects: Applied sciences; aspect ratio; cellulose crystallinity; Degradation and preservation; Exact sciences and technology; microfibre; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Properties and testing; reinforcement; Wood; Wood. Paper. Non wovens; aspect ratio; cellulose crystallinity; Softwood; Spermatophyta; reinforcement; microfibre
• ISSN: 0018-3830; 1437-434X
• DOI: 10.1515/HF.2006.010

In this study, the reinforcing potential of cellulose “microfibres” obtained from bleached softwood kraft pulp was demonstrated in a matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Microfibres are defined as fibres of cellulose of 0.1–1 μm in diameter, with a corresponding minimum length of 5–50 μm. Films cast with these microfibres in PVA showed a doubling of tensile strength and a 2.5-fold increase in stiffness with 5% microfibre loading. The theoretical stiffness of a microfibre was calculated as 69 GPa. The study also demonstrated that the strength of the composite was greater at 5% microfibre loading compared to 10% loading. Comparative studies with microcrystalline cellulose showed that the minimum aspect ratio of the reinforcing agent is more criticalthan its crystallinity in providing reinforcement in the composite.