Natural fibre composites have found increased international interest during the last decade. Traditionally, new materials have been developed in order to solve technological problems within the aerospace, military, sport or medicine fields, whereas natural fibre composites are also developed in another perspective; they must meet the demands in society of being sustainable materials.

Purpose

Natural fibre composites with bio-polymers are 100% based on renewable resources. These renewable materials consist of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, derived from non-oil-based resources, in combination with natural fibres as reinforcing elements. The latter can be obtained from a wide range of agricultural residues, such as hemp, flax and wood. Natural fibres have been used for many years, whereas bio-polymers are relatively new commercial material candidates.

Description

The Materials Research Division at Risø DTU has an intensive research on natural fibre composites and participates in a range of national and international projects on the topic. About 20 people are working in the field of fibre composites at Risø DTU.



A student project will involve manufacturing and characterization of natural fibre composites. Depending on your specific interest it will be possible to set up a project which might include one or more of the following subjects:

• Process parameters and their influence on composite performance
• Fibre properties, -orientation, -length, -content and -packing ability
• Bio-polymer (matrix) properties
• Fiber/matrix interface properties
• Materials quality; fibre content and porosity
• Effect of moisture; during processing and in service
• Microscopy: optical, ESEM and TEM
• Mechanical testing and finite element modeling 
• Commercial production facilities; cost and competitive power
  

Qualifications

Depends on type of project

Project form

Thesis Final year project

Subjects

Materials

Duration