NATURAL FIBRE COMPOSITES: A NEW MARKET OPENS UP IN EUROPE

摘要

How can we produce these products in a commercial process in order that we can satisfy the ever-stringent market demands and customer perceptions? Natural Fibre Composites are a compounded material that consists of a fibre, a polymer matrix and a lubricant & additive package tailored to suit the end users requirements. This compound can be then directly extruded out of the process machine or it can be pelletised and sold to third party processors in both extrusion and injection moulding. Polymer systems that are used currently are based on PVC, PE usually HDPE bottle grade, fractional melt, LDPE or Polypropylene. Natural fibres that are commonly added to the polymer matrix are; Wood Flour, Kenaf, Hemp, Ground Coconut shells, and rice hulls to name a few, but more recently MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) which has opened up a vast new market place in the supply of raw materials to this growing industry sector. Typical Additive packages that are used consist of a lubricant and a process aid - usually external, to help the flow of the product when it is directly extruded through the process machine and out of a profile die. Secondary Additives that are typically added to the formulation are UV stabilisers, compatibilisers, flame-retardants and pigments. These are added to suit the specific customer requirements or end use specifications. The addition of such additives can greatly affect the potential throughput of an extruder as well as the physical properties of the end product and the processing parameters of the complete extrusion line.