Natural Fibers for Composites

Natural fibers are gaining prominence as eco-friendly alternatives for reinforcing composite materials, offering renewable and biodegradable options. Derived from sources like jute, hemp, flax, and bamboo, these fibers are appreciated for their low cost, lightweight nature, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional reinforcements. Natural fiber composites exhibit respectable strength and stiffness, often used in applications where their unique properties, such as vibration damping or acoustic insulation, are advantageous.

Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability
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Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability

A compilation of trends in development or application of natural fibers, bio-based resins and more showcases industry players, educational institutes and global projects.

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Latest Natural Fibers Articles

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Construction

Bcomp, Tema achieve intricate composite cladding for French school façade

A combination of flax and glass fibers went into the development of 880 openwork, shade-providing panels for an international school in France.

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Natural Fibers

Midwest Composites earns Japan’s MakiChalle Business Competition grand prize

Low-cost biocomposites producer secures ¥1 million cash prize, exclusive collaboration opportunities within Japanese industry to advance biocomposite technologies.

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Natural Fibers

Project Greenlift to develop ground-effect Cicada222x prototype

Bio-inspired Australian-made craft featuring hemp-reinforced fuselage panels and sustainable fuel capabilities is positioned to meet disaster relief, e-commerce and military needs.

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Trends

Škoda Motorsport partners with Bcomp for Enyaq RS Race program

Growing on success with the Fabia RS Rally2 racing model, Škoda’s Enyaq RS Race electric SUV design incorporates key flax fiber interior and exterior components.

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Natural Fibers

Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction

Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

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Consumer

DITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project

Materials and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix processed via hot press.

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Knowledge Centers

The CAMX Forecast
The CAMX Forecast

Headed to CAMX? Preview the technology before the show!

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CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

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Latest Natural Fibers News And Updates

Asahi Kasei, Aquafil develop 3D printing material combining cellulose nanofiber, recycled PA6

Available as a pellet or filament, the material is said to exhibit formability and strength properties suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.

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Automotive

CompoTech spotlights sustainable advancements in BOVENAC project

CompoTech highlights its efforts in the BOVENAC project, specifically for advancements in the design and functionality of composite joint shafts for 4WD vehicles.

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Natural Fibers

Eva-Last bamboo composite building materials target coastal climates

Eco-friendly natural fiber range of decking, cladding, fencing, railing options ensure durable and long-lasting structures. 

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RTM

AmpliTex-constructed solar-powered ferry hits the Adriatic Sea

The Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.

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Natural Fibers

DITF, RBX Créations develops hemp-based pulp for filament-spun cellulose fibers

Partners present a complete process chain for the development of hemp-based fibers, yarns and fabrics using energy- and resource-saving processes.

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Natural Fibers

Volkswagen unveils hemp fiber-based leather alternative with Revoltech

Bio-based surface material made from industrial hemp is being developed and tested for possible use in Volkswagen vehicles from 2028 onward.

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Featured Posts

Work In Progress

Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs

From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.

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Sustainability

Airbus works to improve the life cycle of composites in future aircraft

This companion article to CW's September 2024 Airbus Illescas plant tour discusses recycling, LCA, biocomposites, Fast Track technologies, qualification and more.

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JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more

CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.

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Optimizing machining for composites: Tool designs, processes and Industry 4.0 systems

Hufschmied moves beyond optimized milling and drilling tools to develop SonicShark inline quality control system and Cutting Edge World cloud platform for optimized tool use and processes.

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Sustainability

European boatbuilders lead quest to build recyclable composite boats

Marine industry constituents are looking to take composite use one step further with the production of tough and recyclable recreational boats. Some are using new infusible thermoplastic resins.

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Sustainability

Composites end markets: Boatbuilding and marine (2024)

As the marine market corrects after the COVID-19 upswing, the emphasis is on decarbonization and sustainability, automation and new forms of mobility offering opportunity for composites.

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recycle carbon fiber