Development of durable water resistant natural fibre biocomposites - DURAFIBRE
Lead Participant:
COMPOSITES EVOLUTION LIMITED
Abstract
There is strong potential for the application of natural fibre composites in engineering
components. However, natural fibre composites are not currently used for structural and semistructural components due to concerns over strength and long term durability associated with water absorption and resin compatibility.
The aim of this project is to significantly improve the moisture resistance and compatibility of natural fibres for their use in composite applications. This will lead to greatly improved and verified long term performance properties of natural fibre composites, which in turn will improve market confidence in this product and ultimately promote the increased take up of natural fibres in composites applications.
Previous investigations to address moisture absorption and compatibility issues have been demonstrated on a laboratory scale, but not on an industrial scale and hence the commercial viability of these methods remains unproven. These investigations have focused on the use of coupling agents to address the issue of compatibility and chemical modifications of the natural fibres to improve the moisture resistance of composites; however absorption is still a major concern especially for outdoor applications.
This project will evaluate a number of natural fibres, select those with suitable strength
properties and lowest intrinsic absorption, and then develop treatments to ensure water
absorption does not occur. Tests of individual fibres will be undertaken first, then leading to larger scale tests on composite panels utilised in typical applications (e.g. marine, automotive), to enable comparison with current market solutions. The main outcome of the project will be a pilot scale process system for the production of treated, moisture resistant natural fibre reinforcements, demonstrated in scaled down composite components. The project will therefore prove the commercial and technical viability of natural fibre usage in composites.
components. However, natural fibre composites are not currently used for structural and semistructural components due to concerns over strength and long term durability associated with water absorption and resin compatibility.
The aim of this project is to significantly improve the moisture resistance and compatibility of natural fibres for their use in composite applications. This will lead to greatly improved and verified long term performance properties of natural fibre composites, which in turn will improve market confidence in this product and ultimately promote the increased take up of natural fibres in composites applications.
Previous investigations to address moisture absorption and compatibility issues have been demonstrated on a laboratory scale, but not on an industrial scale and hence the commercial viability of these methods remains unproven. These investigations have focused on the use of coupling agents to address the issue of compatibility and chemical modifications of the natural fibres to improve the moisture resistance of composites; however absorption is still a major concern especially for outdoor applications.
This project will evaluate a number of natural fibres, select those with suitable strength
properties and lowest intrinsic absorption, and then develop treatments to ensure water
absorption does not occur. Tests of individual fibres will be undertaken first, then leading to larger scale tests on composite panels utilised in typical applications (e.g. marine, automotive), to enable comparison with current market solutions. The main outcome of the project will be a pilot scale process system for the production of treated, moisture resistant natural fibre reinforcements, demonstrated in scaled down composite components. The project will therefore prove the commercial and technical viability of natural fibre usage in composites.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| COMPOSITES EVOLUTION LIMITED | £152,567 | £ 91,540 |
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