Biodegradable/Compostable Composites from Lingo-Cellulosic Fibers for Automotive Applications 2005-01-3338

The automotive industries throughout the world are continuously optimizing the cost effectiveness for greater value in automotive interiors in order to remain competitive in the market. Moreover, (a) increased importance of renewable resources for raw materials, and (b) recyclability and/or biodegradability of the product at the end of the useful life are demanding a shift from petroleum-based synthetics to agro-based natural fibers in automotive interiors. Natural fiber composites can contribute greatly to the automotive manufacturers' final goal of weight and cost reduction. The approach in this research has been to evaluate ligno-cellulosic fiber based nonwoven composites for automotive and other similar applications. Effect of different ligno-cellulosic and biodegradable binder fiber compositions on the structure and properties of the resulting composites and the issues related to blending of different components, and adhesion between different matrix and fibers are discussed in detail.