Making positive use of the fibrillation of lyocell fibres in composite materials

•Micro and nanofibrils act as an anchor in the matrix like a root system in the soil.•Surface fibrillation of lyocell fibres clearly improves the fibre/matrix adhesion.•The critical fibre length of fibrillated lyocell fibres is clearly reduced.•Mechanical composite characteristics are improved by using fibrillated fibres.•Fibrillated fibres may significantly enhance short fibre-reinforced composite properties.