Lignocellulose-based fibers, chemical composition

In this chapter we have reviewed some of the most important characteristics of cellulose and cellulose based blends, composites and nanocomposites. The intrinsic properties of cellulose such as its remarkable mechanical properties have promoted its use as a reinforcement material for different composites. It has been showed that cellulose is a material with a defined hierarchy that tends to form fibrillar elements such as elementary fibrils, micro fibrils, and macro fibers. Physical and chemical processes allow us to obtain different scale cellulose reinforcements. Macro fibers, such as lignocellulosic fibers of sisal, jute, cabuya, etc. are used for the production of composites, whereas nano-sized fibers, such as whiskers or bacterial cellulose fibers are used to produce nanocomposites. Given that cellulose can be used to obtain macro- and nano-reinforcements, it can be used as raw material for the production of several composites and nanocomposites with many different applications. The understanding of the characteristics and properties of cellulose is important for the development of novel composites and nanocomposites with new applications. 

Ashori et al. [58] used recycled PP and HDPE as matrices for lignocellulosic fiber composite using MAPP as coupling agent. This composite has been used for board preparation. Ardanuy et al. [59] prepared recycled polypropylene-based green foams reinforced with untreated and chemically treated cellulose fibers obtained from agricultural residue. Their results showed that these foams may find potential... 

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