Single material composites have been under development for some time, and these materials are composed of one type of material constituent, combined and processed so that a material with improved mechanical properties and better durability is achieved. Compared to conventional composites, which are composed of two different materials (for example glass fibre reinforcement and a thermoset resin), single material composites can be recycled after end-of life in an easier way, as no physical separation of the composite constituents are needed. 

All-cellulose composites (ACCs) have shown their potential for this purpose. By first selectively dissolving a cellulose material (preferably as a fabric)  and then regenerating the cellulose it is possible to form a single material composite. In the ACC there is a cellulose reinforcement, which is embedded in a cellulose matrix. By doing the processing according to a controlled procedure, it is possible to obtain a composite with tailored structure and aligned  cellulose fibres. 

The presentation will review our previous and  recent research aiming at demonstrating the potential for all-cellulose composites as a structural material. The process has involved both ionic liquids and NaOH-urea, and laminates of various thickness and dimensions have been made by stacking several layers of the dissolved composites. The final consolidated shape was formed by compression moulding after regenerating the cellulose. In our research we have used both recycled end-of life textiles (cotton denim), as well as non-woven virgin cellulose fabrics. 

The obtained composites have been characterized regarding mechanical and thermal properties, as well as their structural morphology by tensile testing, calorimetry as well as microscopy.