Potential for the application of bio-Composites containing natural fibres and bio-based thermoset resin systems

Kurzfassung

Bio-composites made of renewable constituents can play an important role in the reduction of environmental impacts, particularly in the transportation sector. With their promising specific properties, natural fibres like flax offer a high potential to substitute synthetic fibres in certain applications. In parallel, petrol-based resin systems could be substituted by at least partially bio-based counterparts. Nevertheless, renewable composite materials did not made it into more demanding applications such as aviation in higher amounts yet. This presentation aims to give an introduction about bio-fibres, bio-based thermoset resins and their performance in composites. Challenges and possible ways to improve the properties of bio-composites will be shown. The main focus of examples will be laid on the currently ongoing EU/China project ECO-COMPASS*, aiming for the introduction of bio-composites in aviation.