Search Results

Lignocellulosic agricultural by-products can be utilized for an array of biocomposite material applications. Biocomposite properties can approach those of synthetic conventional composites. They are highly suitable for automotive applications, where the thrust is toward fuel economy, weight-reduction, and higher renewability. A common automotive polymer for biocomposite application is alloyed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), whose extensive usage can be attributed to its exceptional balance of properties. However, the low sustainability of ABS in environmental degradation entails the addition of fillers. In this study, the UV blocking properties of lignin component of natural fibers will be analyzed for their use as additives in a natural ABS grade and will be compared to an ABS grade compounded with a traditional UV inhibitor.

In this study, soy-based polyurethane foam was reinforced with randomly oriented flax fiber to create green composite paneling. This paneling can be used as replacement for plywood in mass transit flooring. To establish optimal material properties, the flax/foam composite's density was modified through manipulation of both fiber volume fraction and foam void content in order to determine processing modification upon mechanical performance. Both static flexural testing and dynamic low velocity impact were performed. Mechanical characterization was performed by both flexural testing and screw fastener pullout studies. Resultant properties demonstrate the feasibility of lower maintenance renewable composite materials as replacement for current transit flooring.

Natural fibers have shown promise as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites in automotive applications. Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups from cellulose and lignin, natural fibers exhibit highly hydrophilic properties. This makes fiber-matrix adhesion very difficult because most structural polymers are hydrophobic in nature. Therefore, in order to maximize natural fiber reinforced composite performance, fiber surface modification is required. In addition, a chemical additive to polymer matrix is another direction to improve the performance. In this study, several types of natural fibers were chosen, including European flax fiber, North American flax, and North American hemp fiber. Sodium hydroxide treatment followed by acrylic resin treatment was investigated for its influence on vinyl ester cure kinetics and interfacial properties.