NMG Lunchtime Seminar Series: Focus on Natural Fibre Composites

 

You are invited to join us for our monthly virtual event where the focus will be on Natural Fibre Composites

You will hear from

Ulrike Kirschnick

University Assistant at Processing of Composites and Design for Recycling group at Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria

How to get from biogenic materials to biogenic components: On the processability of flax fibre reinforced bio-based polymers

• Although biogenic, renewable resources show great promise as reinforcements and matrix materials in the composites sector, their limited processability remains a significant challenge to fully realizing their potential. Furthermore, the manufacturing stage influences the properties and environmental impacts associated with the final component. The talk addresses the reciprocal relationship between processability, material properties and environmental impacts of the manufacturing stage exemplary for flax fibre reinforcing different epoxy systems with varying bio-based content.

Dr Subrata Chandra Das 

Advanced and Sustainable Engineering Materials Laboratory (ASEMlab), Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik 2815, Norway

Durability of Circular Natural Fibre Composites in Different Environmental Ageing Conditions

• Natural fibre composites with recyclable polymer matrices provide a sustainable solution for enhancing the circularity of end products. However, their durability presents a significant challenge, especially in structural applications exposed to outdoor conditions. This talk will briefly overview the durability or long-term performance of circular natural fibre composites under various environmental ageing conditions, such as weathering and hygrothermal ageing. 

Sarina Schulte

Research associate at Hochschule Hannover – University of Applied Sciences and Arts -Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB)

Towards Sustainable and Robust Aerospace Materials: Protecting Flax Fiber-Reinforced Composites from Environmental Degradatio

• Flax fiber-reinforced composites (FFRC) are gaining increasing attention across a range of industries. However, their durability under environmental exposure remains a key concern. In applications such as aerospace and automotive engineering, FFRC may be subjected to harsh conditions, including moisture, UV radiation, and contact with fluids like hydraulic oil and jet fuel. We investigate the impact of these stressors on the material properties of FFRC and evaluate the effectiveness of protective strategies, including bio-based coatings, in mitigating degradation.

Preliminary agenda

13:00 – Start and greetings
13:05 – Presentations
14:00 – General discussion
14.30 – Close