Interfacial properties of regenerated cellulose fiber and thermoplastic systems

In dry-formed polymer-bonded networks of cellulose fibers and in other types of nonwovens, the fiber-polymer joint is considered to be the primary factor determining the ultimate properties of the network structure. In an attempt to develop a model describing the joint failure, the well-known fiber pullout test has been applied to a system consisting of regenerated cellulose fibers and three different polymer matrices: a styrene–acrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), and high density polyethylene. For each system, the interfacial bond strength was evaluated. The results are, to some extent, discussed in relation to the mechanical behavior of dry-formed networks bonded with similar polymeric materials. It is suggested that both the interfacial properties and the cohesive strength of the polymer binder are of importance for the mechanical strength of the bonded network.