The aim of the project is to make the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fiber reinforced plastics and bio-based hybrid fiber composites even more efficient and resistant with innovative plasma treatment and reinforcement. The plasma functionalization should realize a simultaneous plasma modification of the fibers,

the polymer matrix in the extrusion process (nature-based short fibers) and in the production process of hotmelt tension bands (nature-based long fibers). The plasma reinforcement on natural fiber-based long and continuous fibers is intended to form a protective layer based on silicates, polymers and metals. Both approaches are designed to maximize long-term durability and material properties under extreme loads (mechanical stress, temperature fluctuations, moisture, UV radiation) and provide the basis for the transfer of natural fiber-based materials into high-performance applications.

The implementation of the project takes place across territorial bodies in a cooperation between the University of Göttingen and the Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, which actively involve industrial partners in their respective fields of expertise and work packages. Thus, synergies can be created in the fields of bio-based materials and plasma technology, which have a high innovation and sustainability potential due to their diverse range of applications.

• Project title: PlasBio - Plasma functionalized biocomposite applications
• Sponsorship: NBank
• Funding: EFRE
• Project management: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths
• Project partner: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Göttingen, Application Center for Wood Fiber Research HOFZET of Fraunhofer WKI, KraussMaffei Berstorff, DBD-Plasma, TopStrap GmbH
• Duration: 01.08.2018 – 31.07.2020