Exploring the potential of regenerated Ioncell fiber composites: a sustainable alternative for high-strength applications

Abstract

Cellulose-based fiber-reinforced composites are gaining attention for their eco-friendly attributes and cost-effectiveness. However, their application in high-strength domains remains limited due to the dominance of synthetic and inorganic fibers. This study explores the potential of composites utilizing “Ioncell fiber”, a unique cellulose fiber, in comparison to carbon, cellulosic, and glass fiber composites. Our findings reveal that Ioncell fiber composites exhibit earlier thermal degradation compared to carbon fiber composites according to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) highlights exceptional interaction between Ioncell fiber and bio-based epoxy, surpassing other fibers. Additionally, assessment of composite hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity through contact angle measurements reveals distinctive surface characteristics, with Ioncell exhibiting a contact angle of 80°, comparable to carbon fiber's contact angle of 75°, while glass transition results demonstrate Ioncell fiber's transformation closely resembling that of carbon fiber composites. Although Ioncell fiber exhibits lower strength (approximately 50 cN per tex) compared to carbon fiber (222 cN per tex), Ioncell composites demonstrate promising strength levels nearly half that of carbon fiber composites (approximately 230 MPa for Ioncell fiber composite compared to 500 MPa for carbon fiber composite). These results underscore the potential of Ioncell composites as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based and synthetic fiber composites, thus contributing to a more environmentally sustainable future.