Light weight, Natural fibre Bio-degradable composite structures

This project is aimed at evaluating the potential to incorporate silicon carbide fibre and natural coconut fibres into a resin sandwich panel composite typical of the type used in aircraft cabin intereiaors and galleys. The objective is to produce a lighter thinner panel which offers airlines an appreciable benefit in weight saved and space which has an exploitable economic value. The use of these fibres has potential benefits in terms of lower carbon production compared to conventional reinforcements as well as potentailly more environmentally sustainable end of life disposal options. The material will be suited to other applications beyond aircraft intereiors, but this presents a robust long term market opportunity where the UK has strong manufacturing capability and new technologies can sustain technical adavtange over competitors. The UK also has a cabaility to make SiC Monofilament which is unique in Europe.