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Title: Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313)

Abstract

Plant-based natural fibers can be used in place of glass in fiber reinforced automotive composites to reduce weight, cost and provide environmental benefits. Current automotive applications use natural fibers in injection molded thermoplastics for interior, non-structural applications. Compression molded natural fiber reinforced thermosets have the opportunity to extend natural fiber composite applications to structural and semi-structural parts and exterior parts realizing further vehicle weight savings. The development of low cost molding and fiber processing techniques for large volumes of natural fibers has helped in understanding the barriers of non-aqueous retting. The retting process has a significant effect on the fiber quality and its processing ability that is related to the natural fiber composite mechanical properties. PNNL has developed a compression molded fiber reinforced composite system of which is the basis for future preforming activities and fiber treatment. We are using this process to develop preforming techniques and to validate fiber treatment methods relative to OEM provided application specifications. It is anticipated for next fiscal year that demonstration of larger quantities of SMC materials and molding of larger, more complex components with a more complete testing regimen in coordination with Tier suppliers under OEM guidance.

Authors:
; ; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1182357
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-70189
25444; VT0505000
DOE Contract Number:  
AC05-76RL01830
Resource Type:
Book
Resource Relation:
Related Information: 2009 Annual Progress Report: Lightweighting Materials, 8-54 - 8-65
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
Natural fiber composites, kenaf, hemp; retting; unsaturated polyester; vinyl ester; sheet molding compounds; compression molding; Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Citation Formats

Simmons, Kevin L., Howe, Daniel T., Laddha, Sachin, and Fifield, Leonard S. Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313). United States: N. p., 2009. Web.
Simmons, Kevin L., Howe, Daniel T., Laddha, Sachin, & Fifield, Leonard S. Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313). United States.
Simmons, Kevin L., Howe, Daniel T., Laddha, Sachin, and Fifield, Leonard S. 2009. "Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313)". United States.
@article{osti_1182357,
title = {Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313)},
author = {Simmons, Kevin L. and Howe, Daniel T. and Laddha, Sachin and Fifield, Leonard S.},
abstractNote = {Plant-based natural fibers can be used in place of glass in fiber reinforced automotive composites to reduce weight, cost and provide environmental benefits. Current automotive applications use natural fibers in injection molded thermoplastics for interior, non-structural applications. Compression molded natural fiber reinforced thermosets have the opportunity to extend natural fiber composite applications to structural and semi-structural parts and exterior parts realizing further vehicle weight savings. The development of low cost molding and fiber processing techniques for large volumes of natural fibers has helped in understanding the barriers of non-aqueous retting. The retting process has a significant effect on the fiber quality and its processing ability that is related to the natural fiber composite mechanical properties. PNNL has developed a compression molded fiber reinforced composite system of which is the basis for future preforming activities and fiber treatment. We are using this process to develop preforming techniques and to validate fiber treatment methods relative to OEM provided application specifications. It is anticipated for next fiscal year that demonstration of larger quantities of SMC materials and molding of larger, more complex components with a more complete testing regimen in coordination with Tier suppliers under OEM guidance.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1182357}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 2009},
month = {Thu Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 2009}
}

Book:
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