Super-strong biocomposites of pulp- and oat carbohydrates

Purpose and goal

The aim of the present project was to investigate the influence of -glucan on the properties of hot pressed cellulose composites, in order to explore the possibility to develop a strong composite material by combining raw materials from the forestry and agricultural sector. The results show that the prerequisites for developing a material with very high tensile strength, and by that develop a new common market for involved industries are very good.

Results and expected effects

Too high molecular mass (MM) of -glucan made the adsorption on cellulose fibres hard to control. However, there was an increase in the strength of the composites made from -glucan containing sheets with increasing pressure irrespective MM of the used -glucan. Significant improvement in tensile strength was observed relative neat cellulose fibres and the potential for improvement is considered great.

Approach and implementation

Products containing -glucans of different molecular masses were used to establish suitable conditions for optimal adsorption of -glucans on cellulose fibres. The influence of MM as well as the influence of different applied pressures during the hot pressing process on the mechanical properties of the obtained composites was evaluated. This gave important knowledge for continued studies regarding the choice of preferred raw material and hot pressing conditions, which altogether will constitute a foundation for development of this renewable composite concept.