BIODEGRADABLE RESIN REINFORCED WITH NON-VEGETABLE FIBRES - A NOVEL METHOD TO MANUFACTURE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FRP

摘要

Environmental problems caused by extensive use of plastic polymers arise mainly due to lack of landfill space and depletion of finite natural resources of fossil raw materials, such as petroleum or natural gas. The substitution of synthetic petroleum-based resins with natural biodegradable resins appears to be one appropriate measure to improve the above-mentioned environmental problems. In contrast to conventional fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP), where glass and carbon fibres are mainly used, plant fibres are being applied increasingly to produce environmentally degradable composites, also known as 'green' composites. This study evaluates the pros and cons of the use of natural plant fibres for reinforcement in composite materials, exploits alternative reinforcements (namely synthetic and natural mineral fibres) for use in 'green' composites, and shows concrete examples of composites manufactured with biodegradable resins reinforced with non-plant fibres, as well as their mechanical properties.