| abstract |
Strong, light-weight composite laminates are made by impregnating layers of paper with a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) slurry, laying the coated papers up in a plurality of layers or stack, and subjecting the stack to pressure and heat for a period of time sufficient to cause the CNF to impregnate, reinforce, and bond the paper layers into a composite. The resulting composite has impressive mechanical strength and exhibits a substantially homogeneous composition throughout its depth. The composite should have good strength to weight properties, and be recyclable or compostable. |