InnoBOB - Innovative bio-based organic sheets with increased thermostability and water resistance for lightweight construction applications
The aim of the project is to develop new types of natural fibre organosheets with biopolymers in order to provide semi-finished products made of completely bio-based composite material for a wide range of applications such as enclosures and cladding in mechanical and plant engineering, interior and structural components in vehicle construction and the aviation sector, and products for the sports industry.
Two challenges arise here: firstly, the required thermal stability and secondly, increased water resistance.
For thermostability, the natural fibres, which are less temperature-stable than synthetic fibres, should be combined with low-melting biopolymers to avoid fibre degradation. For increased water resistance and sufficient dimensional stability, water absorption caused by the hydrophilic natural fibres must also be avoided.
To meet these requirements, firstly, matching natural fibres and biopolymers should be used. Secondly, the chemical surface functionalisation of the natural fibres against undesired water absorption as well as the additivation of the biopolymers with thermostabilisers to improve the heat resistance play a decisive role.
The coordinated biopolymer films and functionalised natural fibre fabrics are to be joined to form bio-organosheets and transferred into the final component shape.
The recyclability of the bio-organosheets will be tested by mechanical recycling and the reuse of the recyclates as injection moulding material will be evaluated on selected components. This will be accompanied by a life cycle assessment of the raw materials, processes and products used.
Project summary
- Project title: Innovative bio-based organic sheets with increased thermostability and water resistance for lightweight construction applications (InnoBOB)
- Funding: Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur aus Mitteln des Programms „niedersachsen
- Project partner: Anwendungszentrum für Holzfaserforschung HOFZET® des Fraunhofer WKI
- Project management: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths
- Duration: 01.10.2023 - 30.09.2026
Contact
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths, andrea.siebert-raths@hs-hannover.de
