About the Project
Background & Rationale: All-cellulose composites (ACCs) represent a relatively new class of composites that unlike other biocomposites are made entirely from cellulosic materials and therefore have a chemically identical matrix and reinforcing phase. Two different pathways are described in the literature for the synthesis of an ACC: (i) complete dissolution of a portion of cellulose followed by mixing this portion with additional reinforcing cellulosic material and (ii) partial dissolution of cellulosic fibre to form a matrix phase in situ around the remaining fibre core. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been identified as attractive solvent systems for cellulose. Several IL cation and anion combinations have been reported to exhibit a high solvency for cellulose, recyclability and low vapour pressure compared to other solvent systems of cellulose. The solvent is removed by the introduction of an anti-solvent such as water or ethanol; this solvent exchange results in the regeneration of the solid phase cellulose. Subsequently, the chemical similarity of matrix and reinforcement in ACCs theoretically leads to an interfaceless composite due to enhanced fibre-matrix adhesion. Some studies have shown ACCs to exhibit tensile strengths and Young’s moduli as high as 910 MPa and 26 GPa, respectively. These remarkable properties support the assumption that the interfacial properties are greatly improved in a single-polymer biocomposite. This PhD project will investigate the structure-property relationships of ACCs with a focus on the interfacial properties from the nano to macroscales.
Required Skills: 1st class honors bachelor degree in materials science, materials engineering or chemical engineering. Candidates with high motivation, enthusiasm, and independent thinking are welcome to apply. Prior research experience with polymeric and/or composite materials is highly desirable.
Benefits: Travel expenses to international conferences will be provided.
Please include a copy of your CV and referees, academic transcript and details of any undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, and any evidence of research outputs.
References
Selected publications from our cellulose composites group:
1. Dormanns, J.W., Weiler, F., Schuermann, J., Müssig, J., Duchemin, B.J.C., Staiger, M.P., Positive size and scale effects of all-cellulose composite laminates (2016) Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 85, pp. 65-75.
2. Dormanns, J.W., Schuermann, J., Müssig, J., Duchemin, B.J.C., Staiger, M.P., Solvent infusion processing of all-cellulose composite laminates using an aqueous NaOH/urea solvent system, (2016) Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 82, pp. 130-140.
3. Duchemin, B., Le Corre, D., Leray, N., Dufresne, A., & Staiger, M. P. (2016). All-cellulose composites based on microfibrillated cellulose and filter paper via a NaOH-urea solvent system. Cellulose, 23(1), 593-609
4. Huber, T., J. Müssig, O. Curnow, S. Pang, S. Bickerton, and M. Staiger: A critical review of all-cellulose composites. Journal of Materials Science, 47 (3) 1171-1186 (2012).
5. Duchemin, B.J.C., R.H. Newman, and M.P. Staiger: Structure-property relationship of all-cellulose composites. Composites Science and Technology 69 (7-8) 1225-1230 (2009).
6. Huber, T., Bickerton, S., Müssig, J., Pang, S. and Staiger, M.P. (2013) Flexural and impact properties of all-cellulose composite laminates. Composites Science and Technology 88: 92-98.
7. Huber, T., Pang, S. and Staiger, M.P. (2012) All-cellulose composite laminates. Composites: Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 43(10): 1738-1745
8. Staiger, M.P. and Huber, T. (2012) All-cellulose composites. In L. Nicolais and A. Borzacchiello (Ed.), Wiley Encyclopaedia of Composite Materials (2nd ed.): 1-16.
9. Huber, T., Bickerton, S., Müssig, J., Pang, S. and Staiger, M.P. (2012) Solvent infusion processing of all-cellulose composite materials. Carbohydrate Polymers 90(1): 730-733.
10. Pinkert, A., K. Marsh, S. Pang, and M. Staiger: Ionic liquids and their interaction with cellulose. Chem. Rev, 109 (12) 6712-6728 (2009).
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