From fillers towards high end applications From natural fibres as fillers towards high end applications in composites. Lindy Hensen & Willem Böttger This is a presentation from

From fillers towards high end applications Content  NPSP Composites  NaBasCo  Optimization NaBasCo  Conclusion

From fillers towards high end applications NPSP Composites

From fillers towards high end applications  Established in 1998  Around 25 employees  Thermosetting composites  Some customers: Nedtrain, ANWB, G-Star,

From fillers towards high end applications Products NPSP Composites

From fillers towards high end applications Production process Vacuum Assisted – Resin Transfer Moulding

From fillers towards high end applications Options NPSP Composites Transparent resins Different kinds of fibres possible Integration of LEDs Use of inserts Details on all sides Double shaped curves Elegant products

From fillers towards high end applications Mission NPSP Composites ‘It is our mission to make sustainable composites common ground.’  FibresResins

From fillers towards high end applications Nature Based Composites

From fillers towards high end applications NaBasCo

From fillers towards high end applications Nature Based Composites

From fillers towards high end applications Nature Based Composites NaBasCo is: Natural fibres: flax, hemp Resins: polyester Sandwich material & additives

From fillers towards high end applications Current situation Current reasons to apply natural fibres:  Weight  Price  Acoustics  Radiance permeability  Health and safety in processing  Esthetics  Sustainability

From fillers towards high end applications Current situation  Non-wovens  No optimization fibres for use in composites  Hands on approach

From fillers towards high end applications Current situation Consequences: a lot of uncertainties  What about: fire resistance, moisture sensitivity, lifetime, etcetc.

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasCo

From fillers towards high end applications Potential natural fibres Mechanical properties FlaxHempGlass DENSITY g/m3 1,4-1,51,482,55 YOUNG’S MODULUS GPa TENSILE STRENGTH MPa STRAIN AT FAILURE % 2,0-3,01,6-2,53,0 FlaxHempGlass Specific YOUNG’S MODULUS GPa Specific TENSILE STRENGTH MPa

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasCo Mechanical properties Current optimization steps:  Use of wovens and unidirectional mats UD flax (20 V% )*UPRef: Glass non-woven (20 V%) * UP Strength (MPa) E-modulus (GPa)148,5

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasco Mechanical properties Current optimization steps:  Low-torque yarn or direct use of sliver: Twining results in reduction of tensile strength of at least 10%

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasco Mechanical properties Current optimization steps:  Lower moisture content of natural fibres Moisture content natural fibres around 10%. Influence drying on mechanical properties:  E-modulus: 60% higher  Tensile strength: 25% higher

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasco Mechanical properties Other possible optimization steps:  Use of sizings to improve adhesion resin-fibres  Thermal modification of natural fibres  Other natural fibres Besides mechanical properties:  This year official tests on: fire resistancy, moisture absorption and uptake, aging,…  Further “greening” of NaBasCo:

From fillers towards high end applications Optimization NaBasCo Potential fully bio-based composites The next step: also bio-based resins.  A few resins on the market;  25%-100% bio-based;  Not all fit for VA-RTM: viscosities, high curing temperatures (>140 degrees);  Compatibility with natural fibres limited: moisture sensitivity, aggressive.

From fillers towards high end applications Conclusion

From fillers towards high end applications Conclusion NaBasCo shows a lot of potential:  UD flax already show mechanical properties comparable (or higher) to that of glass non- woven.  Fully bio-based composites are proven to be feasible in the future

From fillers towards high end applications Conclusion Optimizations and development are needed:  Optimization of processing of natural fibres for use in composites;  Optimization of natural fibre reinforced composites;  Towards fully bio-based composites (bio-resins!);  Chain & market development.

From fillers towards high end applications Questions or suggestions? Contact: NPSP Composieten BV Lindy Hensen