Review: Current international research into cellulosic fibres and composites

The following paper summarises a number of international research projects being undertaken to understand the mechanical properties of natural cellulo se fibres and composite materials. In particular the use of novel technique s, such as Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron x-ray and half-fringe photoelast ic methods of measuring the physical and micromechanical properties of cell ulose fibres is reported. Current single fibre testing procedures are also reviewed with emphasis on the end-use in papermaking. The techniques involv ed in chemically modifying fibres to improve interfacial adhesion in compos ites are also reviewed, and the use of novel fibre sources such as bacteria l and animal cellulose. It is found that there is overlap in current intern ational research into this area, and that there are complementary approache s and therefore further combining of these may make further progress possib le. In particular a need to measure locally the adhesion properties and def ormation processes of fibres in composites, with different chemical treatme nts, ought to be a focus of future research. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publi shers.