Event Details

Natural fibres such as flax, hemp, bamboo and coir are now being used as structural reinforcement in large volumes, particularly for automotive interiors and construction applications. They have great potential as low carbon reinforcements with excellent strength to weight ratios. However, progress in some areas is needed to broaden the market uptake for these materials and fully exploit their potential in higher value structural applications.

This event seeks to present recent and ongoing research and development to improve performance and consistency in natural fibres, addressing:

• fire retardance
• moisture uptake
• odour and fungal attack
• consistency of properties
• interfacial properties and adhesion to matrices
• improved mechanical properties

Surface treatments of various kinds can impact several of these areas. Processing techniques such as blending over several harvests can greatly improve consistency of fibres. Several different approaches will be presented by experts from industry and academia, and time will be given to discuss future work that is needed to fully exploit the benefits of natural fibres. Details of relevant funding opportunities will be presented, including the TSB low carbon vehicles competition.

Who should attend:

• suppliers of natural fibres and natural fibre products
• materials suppliers, e.g. pre-preggers, SMC manufacturers, weavers, working with / interested in natural fibres
• composites parts manufacturers interested in using bio-derived materials
• academics researching, or interested in researching natural fibres
• end users / OEMs in transport sectors
• construction companies / architects
• product designers interested in natural fibres

Cost:

The event costs £45 for members of Materials KTN or Incrops. £145 for non-members. Membership of the Materials KTN is free, simply click 'Join this group' on this page.

For more information and to register click here.