FIBER-REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES MADE FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES

摘要

Recently, critical discussions about the preservation of natural resources have led to anincreasing interest in biomaterials with the focus on renewable raw materials. Due to growingenvironmental consciousness, the use of traditional composites like epoxy or polyester reinforcedwith glass or carbon is considered critically. Natural fiber reinforced materials are emerging as arealistic alternative to replace glass-reinforced composites, especially in automotive and buildingproduct applications, because of their excellent recycling ability. Combining natural fibers, suchas jute, flax, hemp and sisal, with polymer matrices made from nonrenewable resources is amethod, which has been well-established for several years. Owing to the petroleum-based sourceof the polymer matrix, these composites are not sufficiently eco-friendly. Sustainability, ecoefficiency,and green chemistry are factors, which will dominate the development of the nextgeneration of materials. Not only the fibers, but also the matrices should be made fromrenewable resources. The present work focuses on the thermal and mechanical behavior of fiberreinforcedbio-epoxy materials. The bio -content of the composites varies from 0 up to 100%.Traditional epoxy-systems were replaced by plant oils. Assorted formulations based on standardepoxy and plant oil were carried out while varying the matrix formulation, filler content andfibers. Finally, the mechanical and thermal behavior was investigated under differentenvironmental conditions. Tensile and bending tests were performed. Furthermore, Charpy, DSCand DMA tests were carried out.Can products based on renewable resources compete with petrochemical materials? Can theycapture markets currently dominated by products based on petroleum feedstock?