Abstract
Interest in greener materials has re-energised the utilisation of natural fibres, but now as reinforcement for renewable polymers. However, such bio-based composites often fail to deliver in terms of mechanical performance. This chapter discusses nature-inspired hierarchical composites and evaluates the potential of these materials to create a new generation of advanced renewable composite materials. Three strategies for creating hierarchical structures are explored: surface microfibrillation of (ligno)cellulosic fibres; dispersing microfibrillated cellulose within the matrix of conventional fibre reinforced composites; and attaching nano-sized bacterial cellulose onto natural fibres. The mechanical performance of the resulting hierarchical (nano)composites reported so far is discussed. By creating hierarchical structures within composites, we could potentially bridge the property performance gap between renewable and petroleum-derived materials for commercial use.
Published Version
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