High-Performance Composite Materials Based on Natural and Renewable Components for High-Tech Sectors
Topic(s) : Special Sessions
Co-authors :
Roxana DINU , Alice MIJA (FRANCE), Ugo LAFONT (NETHERLANDS), Olivier DAMIANOAbstract :
The pressing challenges posed by the continuing growth of the global population and the corresponding increase in demand for resources have highlighted the critical need for resource conservation and its efficient management in industrial production. A potential approach to these challenges involves a shift to a sustainable global economy, in which bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based products assume central roles. The need to find solutions to reduce the consumption of finite fossil resources and growing environmental concerns were the main drivers behind our study. Our main objective is the development of innovative, environmentally friendly composites that incorporate carbon fibers or vegetable fibers, all respecting the rigorous standards of industrial processing. The goal is to achieve superior performance characteristics that are suitable for demanding applications, especially in high-performance sectors such as aerospace and space.
In the initial phase, a polymeric matrix was developed, derived from renewable resources, specifically based on an aliphatic compound sourced from vegetable oils, such as epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). This matrix was then reinforced with either carbon or vegetable fibers, resulting in the development of high-performance composites with the remarkable capability of being recyclable, repairable, and reshapable. The designed composites were subjected to rigorous tests, including physico-chemical, and thermo-mechanical evaluations, to validate their exceptional characteristics and their potential to replace conventional petrochemical materials in a range of high-end industrial applications. Through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), these composites showed exceptional stiffness, while mechanical tests further confirmed their strength. The interfacial properties were investigated by Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS) and the fiber-matrix bond interaction was visually examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated the good thermal stability of these materials, with a T5% (temperature at which 5% mass is lost) reaching 300 °C. Furthermore, the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) parameter is over 30%, signifying the fire-retardant capabilities of these bio-based composites.
Finally, these engineered composites demonstrated the ability to be chemically degraded and thermally repaired, making them versatile materials with the requisite properties for high-tech industries, including but not limited to aerospace, and space.
In summary, these polymeric composites represent an environmentally friendly, high-performance, and versatile alternative to traditional petrochemical-based materials, offering a wide range of desirable properties for a multitude of industrial sectors.
In the initial phase, a polymeric matrix was developed, derived from renewable resources, specifically based on an aliphatic compound sourced from vegetable oils, such as epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). This matrix was then reinforced with either carbon or vegetable fibers, resulting in the development of high-performance composites with the remarkable capability of being recyclable, repairable, and reshapable. The designed composites were subjected to rigorous tests, including physico-chemical, and thermo-mechanical evaluations, to validate their exceptional characteristics and their potential to replace conventional petrochemical materials in a range of high-end industrial applications. Through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), these composites showed exceptional stiffness, while mechanical tests further confirmed their strength. The interfacial properties were investigated by Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS) and the fiber-matrix bond interaction was visually examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated the good thermal stability of these materials, with a T5% (temperature at which 5% mass is lost) reaching 300 °C. Furthermore, the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) parameter is over 30%, signifying the fire-retardant capabilities of these bio-based composites.
Finally, these engineered composites demonstrated the ability to be chemically degraded and thermally repaired, making them versatile materials with the requisite properties for high-tech industries, including but not limited to aerospace, and space.
In summary, these polymeric composites represent an environmentally friendly, high-performance, and versatile alternative to traditional petrochemical-based materials, offering a wide range of desirable properties for a multitude of industrial sectors.