Green composites in automotive interior parts: a solution using cellulosic fibers

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2018

Authors

N. C. Loureiro (Author) Other; José Luís Esteves (Author) FEUP

Book

Title: Green Composites for Automotive Applications

Pages: 81-97

ISBN: 9780081021774

Other information

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102177-4.00004-5

Abstract (EN): In the last few years, biomaterials have been a subject of interest in scientific and technological research, as well as in industries. The increasing environmental concern and the excessive use of petrol resources have led to the development of new materials, biocomposites, which will achieve great importance in the future. The world automotive industry of interior parts is continuously optimizing the price/quality relation to gain competitiveness in the market. Nowadays, the importance of biodegradable polymers or polymers from renewable sources and the utilization of natural vegetal fibers to reinforce the polymers are increasing. These types of polymers and composite materials associated with the life cycle analysis are gaining popularity and making a turning point in the automotive industry. This work investigates the development of a novel green composite by the use of biopolymer poly (lactic acid) and natural-based cellulosic fibers in automotive interiors. The mechanical and thermal properties will be assessed and compared to the properties of the petrol polymers typically used in these types of applications. Two composites of different fiber ratio are compared herein. As the results suggest, the incorporation of 20% fiber improves the thermal behavior of the composite without compromising the mechanical behavior of interior door trims. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17