Hemp-based all-cellulose composites through ionic liquid promoted controllable dissolution and structural control

All-cellulose composites (ACC) were effectively prepared by a low energy consumption strategy. The ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMC1) was used to immerse hemp fabric before hot-pressing process at a relative low temperature. The tensile strength and modulus of prepared ACC reached 81.1 MPa and 1.50 GPa, respectively. The dissolution mechanism of ACC by BMIMCl was successfully observed by the cooperation of optical microscope and polarizing microscope. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical testing were carried out to investigate the effect of hotpressing temperature on the properties of ACC samples. ACC sample exhibited the highest mechanical performance at hot-pressing temperature of 120 degrees C. This work provided a simple and promising pathway for industrial application of high performance and environmental-friendly all-cellulose composites.