The undesired input of plastics into the sea will never be completely avoided, even with global disposal and avoidance strategies. At the center of the research project "Bio-based and biodegradable plastics - solution option for the marine litter problem (MabiKu)" is therefore the question for the IfBB whether and in which areas of application marin-degradable plastics can be a solution in the fight against pollution of the oceans.
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 project will use a feasibility study to identify the potential for substituting petrochemical plastics in the engine compartment with bio-based plastics and composites. In order to find new, technically demanding fields of application for bio-based plastics, it is necessary to close the existing property gaps.
The aim of the project is to integrate as early as possible environmental factors in the selection of materials with the simplest possible approach in the design process. Furthermore, usable elements from already known methods of sustainability assessment are to be identified. Further they are developed in such a way that an application-oriented, yet robust method is tailor-made for life cycle assessment of bio-based materials.
