Novel low cost, lightweight, sustainable biocomposites based on aligned jute sliver tape reinforcements (BioJUSTICE)

The objective of the BioJUSTICE project is to develop low cost, lightweight, high performance natural fibre biocomposites by using inexpensive natural fibres and novel direct processing methods. Currently semi-structural biocomposites are almost exclusively based on flax which is relatively expensive, and woven yarn textiles which require several processing steps. This makes the materials expensive and difficult to justify for many industrial applications. BioJUSTICE will use low cost jute fibres and a direct, tape-based manufacturing method with minimum process steps. The new jute tapes will have similar cost and performance to glass fibres, along with lower weight and lower environmental impact. This will enable sustainable natural fibres to truly compete with glass fibres for the first time, significantly increasing their uptake in a range sectors including construction, automotive and sports.