ABSTRACT This study reports a processing route for fabricating cellulose/LDPE composites involving the dispersion of polyethylene powder in a cellulose solution, followed by regeneration to form a continuous cellulose structure and subsequent hot‐pressing to induce LDPE fusion and enhance interfacial adhesion. Unlike traditional routes that combine these materials by incorporating regenerated cellulose fibers into the thermoplastic matrix, this methodology emphasizes the mechanical anchoring of two continuous phases during composite formation. Microscopic analysis reveals that, at low LDPE loadings (10%, w/w), the polymer remains confined within the cellulose matrix, whereas higher LDPE concentrations (> 50%, w/w) lead to particle coalescence and the formation of a more continuous LDPE‐rich phase. Mechanical evaluation revealed a strongly composition‐dependent response. At low LDPE contents (10%–30%, w/w), stiffness increased by approximately twofold relative to regenerated cellulose, while elongation decreased by more than 70%. At 90% (w/w) LDPE, the composite showed mechanical properties closer to neat LDPE than other formulations; however, values remained moderately lower, particularly in terms of elongation, which stayed below 30% due to cellulose‐induced constraints. Despite the limited compatibility between cellulose and polyethylene, this approach offers a distinctive route to control interfacial structure and phase distribution, opening new possibilities for designing cellulose/thermoplastic composites.
Moraes et al. (2026) studied this question.