A western European mid-range car contains approx. 15 percent of plastics by weight. Fiber plastics composite materials that consist of a plastics matrix into which fibers have been embedded are a current trend. They are characterized by specific strength, rigidity and energy absorption capacity, advantageously combining the essential characteristics of both with each other and lower the weight of the car. Due to a reduction in weight by 100 kilograms, a car needs approx. 0.4 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers.

Fiber-reinforced biocomposite materials made of PLA, PHB and PBP

Replacing fossil-based plastics composite materials - from which e.g. the tailgate, the spoiler or the long cargo channel cover can be manufactured - with biocomposite materials that are based on renewable resources improves the CO₂ balance sheet in automotive construction and contributes to the protection of resources and climate.

As part of the 4-year research project ECOplast, researchers from science and industry are developing biocomposites required to fulfill the characteristics demanded by the automotive industry. For this, they are using bio-based plastics that are available in sufficient quantities on the market. They modify and strengthen these with natural fibers, mineral fillers and additives. The materials must be processable on conventional production systems, but additionally, the consortium also wants to try out new processing technologies.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT is displaying first samples of different treated and untreated natural fibers at the Composites Europe, showcasing the results of the EU project EcoPlast.

Injection molding of a wood biopolymer material

The biodegradable children's chair "Parupu", made from bio-based plastics fiber with cellulose, was introduced already two years ago by the Swedish research institution Innventia AB at the Design Week in Milan. The market introduction of this material under the name DuraPulp^® is taking place this fall by the Swedish company Södra. DuraPulp^® is based 100 percent on renewable resources, it displays good mechanical properties, pleasant, natural haptics, and can be colored in brilliant colors.

The thermoplastic biocomposite is perfectly suitable for molding, but is intended to also be processable into new products by way of injection molding. The objective of the project scheduled for a duration of three years under the auspice of Fraunhofer UMSICHT are fully bio-based and compostable biocomposites that, on one hand, allow for industrial manufacturing of injection molded components made of DuraPulp^® and, on the other hand, retain the material identity of the material, meaning the natural character and the pleasant haptics.

Molded products made of DuraPulp^® as well as first injection molded test samples from the project will be on display at the Composites Europe at the joint stand of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Hall 4 Stand D03)


Glossary:
PLA = Polylactide, also called polylactic acid
PHB = Polyhydroxy butyric acid
PBP = Protein-based polymers