Biocomposites of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate with Modified Hemp Cellulose Fibres

Abstract

Abstract Cellulose acetate butyrate biocomposites, plasticized with tributyl citrate at volume fraction V f = 0.1–0.3, were prepared with modified hemp. Inclusion of modified hemp fibres at V f = 0.4 enhanced the modulus and strength of the flexible plasticized cellulose acetate butyrate. Composites containing pectate lyase enzyme treated fibres showed a modulus greater than untreated or alkali treated fibres, when compared at a similar fibre length of 100 µm. Composites containing the shortest alkali treated fibres of 45 µm gave the greatest property improvement, while 500 µm fibres showed worsened properties. Ball‐milled fibres provided reduced values of properties due to cellulose structural disruption, while compression moulding gave better compaction by removing voids. magnified image