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FAIR-CT95-0195
AFPP-QCPC: Annual fibre reinforced polypropylene composites for industrial applications: development of a quality controlled fibre production chain
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Contacts
Further Information
To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
Biocomposites/Boards
:
Biopolymers/Gums
:
FAIR Area 1.2 - Green Chemicals and Polymers Chain
:
Fibre
:
Paints/Coatings/Plastics
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Type of Project |
Shared Cost |
| Contract No |
FAIR-CT95-0195 |
| Total Cost |
2,400,000 ECU |
| EC Contribution |
1,200,000 ECU |
| Start Date |
01/01/95 |
| Duration |
36 Months |
AFPP-QCPC: Annual fibre reinforced polypropylene composites for industrial applications:
development of a quality controlled fibre production chain
Objectives
- Stimulation of the industrial use of annual fibre crops which can be grown in EU-countries,
especially indigenous crops like flax and hemp
- Development and optimisation of (pre)treatment and processing methods for annual fibres to
specifically adapt them to function as reinforcers in composites with polypropylene (PP)
- Development of a composite material composed of polypropylene, isotropically reinforced by
randomly oriented annual fibres (AFPP) and use of such material in industrial applications particularly
automotive components
Technical Approach
The technological problem to overcome comprises the rather limited intrinsic compatibility between
the hydrophobic polymer matrix and the hydrophilic lignocellulosic fibre sources. In this study, the use of
maleic anhydride (MA) compatibility is explored for that particular purpose. What sets this project apart
from apparently similar attempts, is the integrated approach covering the complete production chain of
AFPP, including fibre production, fibre opening, fibre treatment, matrix treatment, compounding process
and production of actual prototype parts from composite materials.
The most important issues for the purpose of the production of AFPP based parts with favourable
properties, include:
- Optimisation of the physical and chemical characteristics of fibres by the fibre opening ('pulping')
process.
- Development of treatments to modify the composition of the individual fibres more radically by
introduction of new components in/on the fibres. This project will develop two different treatments: the
one making use of water-borne components and offering the possibility of relatively easy integration with
the aforementioned opening process; the other being based on the use of organic solvents which is most
likely to produce a more profound composition change, as well as to allow for a wider operating
window
- Adaptation of the PP to increase its suitability as a matrix.
- Development of an efficient compounding process and in conjunction development of feeder
technology applicable to dry (pretreated) annual fibres
- Optimisation of end-product manufacturing techniques to fully exploit the properties of AFPP
The criteria of major importance, next to the material properties, are the cost of the individual
processing steps and the integrated processing chain.
Preliminary Results
- Specific fibre treatments yielding composite materials with mechanical properties close to glass
fibre filled counterparts.
- Deeper insight in the parameters governing MA-compatibility starting from gMA-PP.
- 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.
- Actual production of first generation prototype car components.
Prototype car component
Contacts
Coordinating organisation
Participant
