Natural fiber-reinforced plastics for structural applications based on novel twist-free bast fiber yarns

摘要

A new type of yarn structure with shorter twist-free bast fibers in the yarn core for semi-finished products and use in natural fiber-reinforced plastics (NFRP) for structural components subject to higher mechanical loads was developed. The aim was to achieve good mechanical properties of NFRPs whereby the price should be reduced at the same time. This goal was achieved by using of more cost-effective reinforcing fibers from flax tow and hemp from disordered lines. For the implementation of the project partners from industry and research institutes have contributed their skills to the project (NF-CompPlus). Because of the growing environmental awareness in society and the increasing demands on the sustainability of products, new production processes and products are needed in many sectors. Due to its lightweight construction potential, NFRPs could be of major importance. NFRPs made from bast fibers with good mechanical properties currently require yarns made from expensive long bast fiber bundles (e.g. long flax) of very high quality. In order to promote the use of NFRPs in market segments with higher price pressure, NFRPs must become cheaper.