Toward a facile fabrication route for all-cellulose composite laminates via partial dissolution in aqueous tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide solution

The potential for a facile aqueous-based solvent processing route for the synthesis of all-cellulose composites (ACCs) is explored using aqueous solutions containing tertabutylphosphonium hydroxide (TBPH). Specifically, ACC laminates are prepared via the partial dissolution of a woven textile of cellulose II using aqueous TBPH solutions. The dissolved cellulose was then regenerated to reform a cellulose II matrix phase in situ that acts to bond the original undissolved fibres. The hygroscopic behaviour and dissolution analysis of the solvent system showed wide range in the choice of processing conditions suited to the production of ACC laminates via TBPH. The effect of solvent concentration on the microstructure, crystallinity and tensile properties of ACCs is reported. The use of TBPH enables reductions in the processing cycle time and improved control over the properties of ACCs, indicative of a promising solvent system for the upscaled production of ACCs and their laminates.