Composite materials derived from natural, renewable sources have received significant interest in recent years, in particular due to the increased awareness of and drive towards more environmentally sustainable technologies.
In many cases bio-based materials offer weight reduction, added functionality (e.g. damping/impact absorption) and occupational health benefits. A significant market driver for high volume applications is the potential to disassociate material costs from the fluctuating price of oil and energy.
Technology Overview Biocomposites provides an overview of biocomposites (fibre reinforced polymer composite materials where the fibres and/or matrix are bio-based), and the natural fibres, bio-based polymers and bio-based core materials used to produce them, and presents the current best practice in materials, processes and applications.
