title: Development of a novel regenerated cellulose composite material.
abstract: We report for the first time on a new natural composite material achieved by blending cotton and duck feather using an ionic liquid. The addition of duck feather was found to improve the elasticity, strain at break, by 50% when compared to regenerated cellulose alone. This is a significant finding since regenerated cotton using ionic liquids often suffers from poor elasticity. The improved elasticity is likely due to the regenerated duck feather maintaining its helical structure. The new regenerated cellulose composites were characterized using a combination of dynamic mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy.
authors: Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216 Victoria, Australia.
authors: Rasike
authors: R
authors: De Silva
authors: Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216 Victoria, Australia.
authors: Kylie
authors: K
authors: Vongsanga
authors: Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216 Victoria, Australia.
authors: Xungai
authors: X
authors: Wang
authors: Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216 Victoria, Australia.
authors: Nolene
authors: N
authors: Byrne
keywords: Cotton; Duck feather; Ionic liquids; Polymer blending