Self-reinforced composites obtained by the partial oxypropylation of cellulose fibers. 1. Characterization of the materials obtained with different types of fibers

The in-depth oxypropylation of different types of cellulose fibers, namely Avicel, Rayon, Kraft, and Filter Paper, was investigated. New biphasic mono-component materials were obtained, which could be hot-pressed to form films of cellulose fibers dispersed into a thermoplastic matrix. The success of this chemical modification was assessed by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements. The optimization of this process led to the establishment of the optimal molar ratio between the cellulose OH groups and propylene oxide, which varied as a function of the specific morphology of the fibers.