J.Y. Chen
The University of Texas at Austin,
United States
Keywords: lignocellulose biomass, functional fiber, nonwoven composite, energy storage composite
Summary:
Lignocellulose biomass is an abundant natural resource useful for renewable energy and biobased fiber and carbon materials. A main challenge is to develop cutting-edge technologies for scalable and cost-effective biomass conversion. This presentation introduces three composite products from lignocellulose biomass in the forms of fiber, nonwoven, and double-layer fabric supercapacitor. Wood and bagasse celluloses were used to fabricate micron/nano regenerated cellulose fiber/film through ionic liquid dissolution and special spinning approaches. Functionality of the fiber/film was achieved by using nanoparticles or specific synthesis. Bast fiber from plant biomass was used to produce auto interior composite by the process of carding, needle-punching, and compression molding. Biobased activated carbon granule and fabric were applied to make double-layer fabric supercapacitor for energy storage. Various properties of these composite materials were instrumentally evaluated according to their different end-use requirements. The presentation concludes that the utilization of lignocellulose biomass for the production of specialty composites is beneficial for fiber and composite producers striving to enhance manufacturing sustainability.