High-performance cellulose/thermoplastic polyurethane composites enabled by interaction-modulated cellulose regeneration

Abstract

Strong interfacial adhesion between cellulose and other polymers is critical to achieve the properties required for specific applications in composite materials. Here, we developed a method for the simultaneous homogeneous dissolution of cellulose and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in 1,8-diazabicyclo (5.4.0) undec-7-ene levulinate/dimethyl sulfoxide ([DBUH]Lev/DMSO) solvent. This process is essential for preparing cellulose/TPU composite films and fibers through interaction-modulated cellulose regeneration. Both cellulose and TPU can be easily dissolved together in [DBUH]Lev/DMSO solvent under mild conditions. The resulting cellulose/TPU solutions exhibited strong temperature sensitivity, shear-thinning behavior and viscoelasticity, making them suitable for cast films and continuous spinning. More importantly, research findings, including density functional theory calculations and experimental characterization, confirmed the high compatibility and interaction modulability of cellulose and TPU in the composite films. The representative C90T10 sample (cellulose/TPU, 90/10) showed high transparency (90 % at 800 nm) and excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength: 176 MPa; elongation at break: 8.1 %). Additionally, the maximum tensile strength and elongation at the break of the composite fiber from C90T10 were 214 MPa and 48.1 %, respectively. This method may provide a feasible approach to design and produce homogeneous environmentally friendly composites of cellulose and other polymers at the molecular level.