Parametric optimization of the processing of all-cellulose composite laminae

Single-polymer composites based on cellulose I and/or II (aka all-cellulose composites) are emerging as a class of high-performance bio-based composite materials with mechanical properties suited to structural applications. There are various synthesis routes for the preparation of all-cellulose composites. However, little has been reported on the optimization of the processing variables affecting the properties of all-cellulose composites. In the present work, a range of all-cellulose composites were produced as single laminae via solvent infusion processing using a precursor of cellulose II fibers that were assembled as a woven 2D textile. The effects of dissolution time, dissolution temperature, and compaction pressure during hot pressing on the properties of the laminae were then systematically examined using a Taguchi design of experiment approach in order to identify the critical control factors. The tensile properties, fiber volume fraction, and crystallinity of the laminae were determined. Statistical analysis of variance and the signal-to-noise ratio were used to rank the importance of key control factors.