The Era of Ecocomposites
The age of composites has begun, and with appropriate attention to full
cost accounting and the opportunities in biological fibers and
"natural" plastics the transition to safer and more
environmentally friendly ecocomposites can be made. Agroecological
approaches to farming and bioengineering should make it possible to grow
plastic resins and reinforcing materials economically and safely. These
materials can be used to make lighter, stronger and more durable products
that save resources and energy. Long life and eventual recycling can be
engineered into these products. The potential economic
benefits include production of biofibers in farming areas beset with
economic and environmental problems. The introduction of straw based
building materials can reduce air pollution problems, absorb some of the
plastic waste stream, and improve the energy efficiency of the homes and
commercial buildings. It is a new frontier and calls upon the
talents and skills of engineers, chemists, botanists, biologists,
agronomists, and ecologists. Integrated whole system development will be
essential to recognize the full potential of these materials.
More Info.
What is a composite material?
A composite material is made of two or more parts or elements whose
combined performance is better than either alone. These are not new,
composite materials have been used for thousands of years, including such
things as sinew backed bows,
birch bark
canoes, and straw/clay buildings.
Today most composite research is in defense industries and involves toxic
materials that are very strong and light weight. Composites are also
widely used in aviation, boat building and auto racing.
What is an ecocomposite material?
An ecocomposite material is made of natural materials that are non-toxic and
biodegradable. Early composites were almost all ecocomposites and would
relatively quickly degrade into compost. Imagine what's left after a birch bark
canoe is left in a field for ten years compared to a fiberglass boat (a modern
composite). Ecocomposites have been used for thousands of years, including such
things as sinew backed bows, birch bark
canoes, snowshoes,
and straw/clay buildings. Modern work on ecocomposites has increased in recent years but most
engineers and material development specialists are unfamiliar with traditional
materials such as linen (flax),
hemp and natural resins (cashew
nutshell resin) and recent developments
such as waste based plastics made from chicken
feathers. Ecocomposite materials
for packaging and protecting sensitive equipment during shipping can also be
made using natural materials such as puffed millet (popcorn has occasionally
been used) and natural binders such as starch, shellac or hide glue. Modern
ecocomposites that are still used and gaining favor include linoleum
(which has solid
wear resistance),
natural fiber panels used in cars
(Grown
to Drive?) and paneling and trim used in architecture and
interior design. More
Info.
|
