Natural Fiber / Glass Fiber Hybrid
Bio-Composites Materials technology (hereby referred
to as hybrid bio-composites) is an engineered mixture
of glass fiber and natural fiber in a desired ratio
in order to get the best properties of natural fiber
and glass fiber for cost and performance benefits. Hybrid
bio-composites materials can be used to manufacture
products for a variety of applications. At present,
Composites Technology Park (CTP) has demonstrated manufacturing
of roofing, wall, door, floor and sandwich panels, as
well as off-shore engineering, transportation, marine
and electrical applications.
Glass fiber composites technology
in terms of materials (fiber, polymer, additives, etc.),
processes, products, quality control, installation and
maintenance is well established for a variety of applications.
Natural fiber composites technology is relatively new
with much of these processes in the R&D stage. The
primary advantage of natural fiber versus glass fiber
composites and other conventional materials is their
eco-friendly and sustainable nature.
The hybrid bio-composites materials
developed by Dr. Gopalan and CTP are based on bamboo,
coir and jute fibers. These natural fibers are blended
with glass fiber in a certain ratio then processed for
manufacture of end products that exploit qualities of
both fibers. Dr. Gopalan has taken hybridizing further
by combining two natural fibers with glass fibers utilizing
a proprietary process that imparts several high performance
characteristics on the end products. These refined composites
provide cost effective building materials without compromising
performance. Dr. Gopalan, an aerospace engineer specializing
in composite structures, has worked on fiber composites
for the past thirty years and on bamboo-glass fiber
hybrids for the past ten years.
There exist many variations of hybrid
bio-composites created in labs around the world. A strategic
advantage held by CTP is a manufacturing plant and processes
capable of producing these materials with consistent
characteristics on a large scale. Coupled with their
novel hybrid bio-composite formulations should extend
CTP's commercial appeal.
Potential Benefits of The Technology
UV resistant.
Water resistant (water absorption
is less than 6%). When all sides are wrapped with
a layer of glass fiber, it becomes practically water
proof.
Fungus and mold resistant
Corrosion resistant
Salt and alkaline resistant
Abrasive resistant
Heat resistant and stable up to
1200C
Fire and flame retardant.
Resistant to rot and other wood
infestation
Termite resistant. When all sides
are wrapped with a layer of glass fiber, it becomes
practically termite proof. David Sands, architect
and proponent of building bamboo homes in termite
rich Hawaii, stated that termites may not find the
glass fibers and resin appetizing.
Superior in strength and in thermal
and sound insulation versus aluminum.
