Lightweight biobased composites for improved functionality by additive manufacturing for automotive industry - 3DBiofibreGoesAuto

Project summary

Rationale: Natural fibres composites are important for light weight applications. However, unsolved needs exists, e.g., humidity influences their properties, low ability to withstand high temperatures and limited industrial processes limit their use. Also, many composites are hard to recycle since thermoset resins and many materials are combined. 3DBiofibreGoesAuto will develop natural fibre composites with thermoplastic matrices for composite sandwich panels. Objectives: (1) reduce the water absorption of natural fibres; (2) produce thermoplastic prepregs with biobased matrix and natural fibres; (3) develop recyclable sandwich panels with excellent damping properties; (4) develop non-planar sandwich panels by 3D printing and engineering shaping and assembling tools; and (5) analyse the recycling capabilities of these structures. Applications: Sandwich panels in automotive. Benefits: 3DBiofibreGoesAuto technologies can reduce material waste and power consumption in automotive vehicles.