Tensile strength cellulose polymer

Extruded composites of plasticized PVC and short cellulose fibers have been investigated by Goettler [103]. Pronounced increases in tensile modulus, yield, and ultimate tensile strength are observed. Single step processing of reinforcement and polymer with good product performance are key characteristics of the material whose field of application lies in the vinyl hose industry. 

The molecular structure of cellulose, unlike that of starch, allows for strong hydrogen bonding between polymer chains. This results in the formation of strong water-resistant fibers such as those found in cotton, which is 98% cellulose. Cotton actually has a tensile strength greater than that of steel. The major industrial source of cellulose is wood ( 50% cellulose). 

Cellulose Cellulose is a straight-chain polymer of glucose units linked by (31-4 bonds. The polysaccharide chains are aligned to form fibrils that have great tensile strength. Cellulases, enzymes that degrade cellulose, are absent in mammals but are produced by some bacteria, fungi and protozoa. 

The very wide range of the numerical values of the mechanical properties is evident. The modulus of organic polymer fibres varies between 1 and 350 GPa. The tenacities or tensile strengths may even vary from about 0.07 GPA (0.05 N/tex) for the weakest (cellulose acetate) to about 7 GPa (4 N/tex) for the strongest fibre (PIPD or M5 ) the compressive strengths reaches up to 1.7 GPa and the temperature resistance up to 400 °C. The ultimate elongation may vary from about 1% for the stiffest fibre (carbon) to about 600% for the most rubber-elastic. 

As a broad generalization the cellulose provides impact resistance and tensile strength, the lignin provides stiffness, and both matrix polymers contribute to hardness and compressive strength. Hydrolytic and oxidative processes that depolymerize and solubilize the wood components will affect the wood properties, often to an extent far greater than might be expected from the limited initial reaction. 

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