Exploring the Influence of Fabrication Parameters on Properties of Cotton‐Based All‐Cellulose Composites

ABSTRACT All cellulose composites (ACCs) containing a cotton‐based reinforcement and a cellulose matrix are prepared either by the impregnation of the textile with a pre‐formed cellulose solution in a solvent, i.e., a mixture of ionic liquid and dimethylsulfoxide (route 1), or by direct impregnation of the textiles with this solvent to form the matrix by the partial dissolution of the reinforcement fibers (route 2). The fabrication route 2, allowing the control of the dissolution process of the fibers with an adequate solvent, has the higher potential to lead to generation of materials with superior properties. Because too long dissolution time or too high processing temperature may lead to an advanced dissolution of the fibers with negative impact on the mechanical properties, both temperature and duration of the impregnation process are key control factors. Therefore, it is essential to perform experiments to determine their optimal values for maximizing the mechanical properties. The number of layers constituting the composites seems also to play an important role on their mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength of > 100 MPa is obtained for the 2‐layer composites fabricated by impregnation with pure solvent under moderate conditions.