Natural Fibre Composites

About

Significant enhancements in the interfacial strength, and consequently mechanical properties, of natural fibre composites is achieved via coating the natural fibres with nano-cellulose fibrils, and then embedding within a bio-based epoxy matrix. The cellulose phase increases the fibre-matrix interfacial quality in the final composite (through mechanical interlocking) which results in marked improvements of over 70% and 100% in both tensile and flexural properties, respectively. The process has been demonstrated with sisal and hemp natural fibres embedded in bio-based epoxy matrices. It is equally-applicable to other natural fibres and more standard matrices such as polyester and polypropylene. This simple, cost-effective, scalable process produces a well-bonded fibre mat with attractive specific properties (mechanical properties normalised by the density). The corresponding composite can also be easily manipulated for subsequent resin infusion. Such technology offers the possibility of producing fully-green composite materials, which could replace glass fibre composite currently used in automotive applications. This technology is covered by two patent applications and we are seeking to license this technology to commercial parties. When contacting us, please quote reference number 5591.