Conductive Regenerated Cellulose Fibers for Multi-Functional Composites: Mechanical and Structural Investigation

Abstract

Regenerated cellulose fibers coated with copper via electroless plating process are investigated for their mechanical properties, molecular structure changes, and suitability for use in sensing applications. Mechanical properties are evaluated in terms of tensile stiffness and strength of fiber tows before, during and after the plating process. The effect of the treatment on the molecular structure of fibers is investigated by measuring their thermal stability with differential scanning calorimetry and obtaining Raman spectra of fibers at different stages of the treatment. Results show that the last stage in the electroless process (the plating step) is the most detrimental, causing changes in fibers’ properties. Fibers seem to lose their structural integrity and develop surface defects that result in a substantial loss in their mechanical strength. However, repeating the process more than once or elongating the residence time in the plating bath does not show a further negative effect on the strength but contributes to the increase in the copper coating thickness, and, subsequently, the final stiffness of the tows. Monitoring the changes in resistance values with applied strain on a model composite made of these conductive tows show an excellent correlation between the increase in strain and increase in electrical resistance. These results indicate that these fibers show potential when combined with conventional composites of glass or carbon fibers as structure monitoring devices without largely affecting their mechanical performance.

Oil/water separation by super-hydrophobic wastepaper cellulose-candelilla wax cryogel: a circular material-based alternative

“…Three distinct endothermic transitions were observed for the regenerated cellulose sample (WOP-based aerogel, black). The first transition occurred between 43 °C and 119 °C, which aligns with findings from other reports in the literature (Mahato et al, 2013) and is attributed to the rearrangement of the chains in the amorphous components due to the loss of adsorbed water molecules (Al-Maqdasi et al, 2021). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of an amorphous material is significantly influenced by the presence of water molecules, given their ability to exist in various thermodynamic states with different bonding configurations (Hancock and Zografi, 1994).…”

Hybrid and Synthetic FRP Composites under Different Strain Rates: A Review

“…The polymeric matrix is made of resins, which create the final structure’s shape and maintain the position of the fibers. Some studies have used two different types of resins for making hybrid composites [ 9 ]. Thermoplastics and thermosets are the two main groups of resins used to produce polymer matrix composites.…”

“…Recently, advanced techniques were used to improve the mechanical properties of cellulose fibers. Moreover, different chemical treatments were implemented on the natural fibers to increase their mechanical properties [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Advances in Natural Fibers and Polymers

“…In their study “Conductive Regenerated Cellulose Fibers for Multi-Functional Composites: Mechanical and Structural Investigation” [ 1 ], Zainab Al-Maqdasi et al investigated the mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose fibers coated with copper via an electroless plating process. They also researched the molecular structure changes and suitability for use in sensing applications of the materials.…”