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Commercial Success of ECLAIR Programme
AGRE-0050: Fibre and pulp from unconventional biomass fibreplastic blending trials and applications |
AGRE-0050: Fibre and pulp from unconventional biomass fibreplastic blending trials and applications
Science Background
A number of techniques are used to produce reinforced plastic forms for use as parts of vehicles, containers, furniture, etc. Conventional products are composed of a plastic matrix into which glass fibre is embedded to provide strength, together with inert filler, such as calcium carbonate, and various additives that increase cohesion of the final matrix.
Objectives
The purpose of this project was to see if natural plant fibres could be used as substitutes for glass fibre in a specific use - the manufacture of car body parts. The underlying reasons for this related both to creating opportunities for farmers to produce non-food crops and to the possibility of making components that are biodegradable when disposed of. Fast growing, nitrogen fixing (leguminous) species (including broom) which grow as weeds throughout the EU were chosen in order to enable low cost production based on short rotation cycles of about three years.
Significant changes and results since end of ECLAIR
The original team at Fiat (Italy), the coordinators of this project, split following the retirement of the group leader. However, research has now resumed with Fiat as a participant in a FAIR project coordinated by the Fraunhofer-Institut, Germany.
Results
At end of this ECLAIR project
Methods were developed for the complete production scheme, from harvesting through decortication, defibrating, web-forming and molding - followed by product evaluation. Problems were not found in applying these techniques, but it was considered that more work was required in formulation of the mix to enhance binding between fibres and the matrix. In particular, research was need to solve problems in linkage between the fibres and the polymer, as well as aspects of flammability, emission of fumes on combustion and moisture absorption.
Current position
Fiat molded some prototypes of automotive interior plastic parts with good results. The biggest of these were two dashboards. Papers about these tests were presented in 1998 (Contrafatto G. et al).
Impact
Commercial
No commercialization by Fiat has taken place. A number of companies (ECIA - France, Solvay – Belgium, CELESA – Spain) are involved in developing car parts as part of another FAIR project.
Associated
A continuation is being funded under FAIR5-CT98-3919: New functional biopolymer - natural fibre - composites from agricultural resources coordinated by Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung, Germany. This project aims to develop at least two new highly functional fibre reinforced composite materials, based on natural fibres and thermoplastics from renewable agro-industrial resources. These composite materials will be chosen from 5 different fibres combined with 4 sorts of matrices. Additional combinations will be investigated by modifying both fibres and matrix materials based on starch and proteins.
Further research is being carried out by a completely different team: FAIR1-CT95-0195: AFPP-QCPC: Annual fibre reinforced polypropylene composites for industrial applications: development of a quality controlled fibre production chain. Preliminary results include identification of specific fibre treatments yielding composite materials with mechanical properties close to glass fibre filled counterparts; deeper insight in the parameters governing maleic anhydride (MA) compatibility; innovative technologies to compound raw as well as (pre)treated fibre sources with PP on semi-industrial scales, yielding composite materials with excellent fibre dispersion; production of first generation prototype car components. However, it is believed that results from ECLAIR have not been transferred into this new project.
Further Information
Contrafatto G., Indino E., Benenti A., Kenny J., Grandinetti A., (1998) Composite materials with vegetable fibres for automotive applications. In: Proceedings of SAMPE Europe Conference.
Contacts
ATO-DLO
Author
CRF
FIVV
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