Regenerated cellulose as a sustainable alternative to glass fiber composites: effects of fabric structure and applied pressure during curing

Abstract Fiber-reinforced composite materials have transformed multiple industries because of their outstanding mechanical properties and lightweight characteristics. Glass fiber composites are commonly used in structural applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Researchers are investigating alternative fibers due to concerns about environmental sustainability and manufacturing costs. This study investigates the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with high-strength regenerated cellulose (viscose) tape fabrics, aiming to assess their suitability as alternatives to traditional materials like glass fabric. Three different weave patterns, plain 1/1, twill 2/2, and satin 5/1 were used as reinforcements along with a glass fabric satin 7/1 for comparison. The composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique and cured at different levels of pressure. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and work of fracture. The crimp ratio (%) was calculated for each composite type based on microscopy scans of the specimen’s cross-section. Satin weave viscose composites achieve up to 30–35% of the glass fabric composites in case of Modulus and tensile strength. The highest modulus of elasticity recorded for satin weave viscose composites is 10.8 GPa, compared to 29.8 GPa for glass fabric composites. Tensile strength of satin weave viscose composites reaches up to 180 MPa, while glass fabric composites achieve up to 430 MPa. Microscopic examinations demonstrate that as pressure increases, the crimp ratio decreases, and this change in crimp ratio directly impacts stiffness properties. However, the viscose fiber composites tested were inferior to glass fiber composites in terms of stiffness but surpass 40–60% in terms of work of fracture. The potential for improving the mechanical properties can be found in changing the mechanical properties of the viscose and in adapted weave patterns. Graphical abstract