Surface modification of cellulose fibers III. Durability of cellulose–polyester composites under environmental aging

Abstract

Abstract The effects of improved interfacial adhesion on the environmental aging behavior of cellulose–polyester composites were studied. The reduction in maximum water content of the composites upon immersion in water which occurs for surface‐treated fibers is explained by the restrictions from fiber/matrix network. Whitening of the specimens based on the untreated fibers, or on fibers treated but not covalently bonded to the matrix, was found to be due to the formation of debonding cracks. Such cracks were formed on drying the materials. When the fiber and the matrix are covalently bonded, the matrix follows the fiber during shrinking, and thus no cracks are formed.