Reinforced Biocomposites from Flax and Hemp

Abstract

Abstract Defibrated flax and hemp fibres form new compatible composites substituting cabinets, car-inner panels etc. The aim is to produce composites from Danish flax and hemp that are competitive to composites reinforced with fibres such as polypropylene, glass fibre, and metals. The plant fibre composites can be used in many applications with different purposes. The composites are based on a new process, where flax or hemp are defibrated into shortened fibres and subsequently formed into mats through a unique air-forming technique mixing the plant fibre and polymers in a strong web. The mats are then moulded in a hot-press for products in all kinds of shapes. The process is based on shortened fibres from flax and hemp. The stiffness of the composites and tensile strength properties are equal in all directions, and their values are higher than those of pure plastic composites. In the new Danish composites the tensile strength seems lower than in typical composites from flax and hemp, where mats are deriv...