Processing of natural fibres in an internal mixer opens up new perspectives for thermoplastic lightweight materials in the automotive industry

摘要

The use of renewable raw materials as reinforcing natural fibres continues to gain in importance in various sectors, including the automotive industry. In the past, natural fibre reinforced plastics were mainly used for compression-moulded parts. Now, however, there is also increasing interest in utilising natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics for injection-moulded interior components. This development must be viewed not only in the light of changing policy frameworks for the automotive industry but also as a result of increased environmental awareness in consumers. In contrast to the reinforcing fibres traditionally used for plastics, such as glass fibres, natural fibres are up to 50% lower in density, improve the carbon footprint and allow 100% thermal recycling of the reinforced plastic as well as material recycling. Completely new opportunities are therefore emerging for lightweight materials of this type, particularly in the electromobility sector.