Natural Fiber-Glass Fiber Hybrid Bio-Composites Materials

Introduction

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.
  
• Relatively light weight
  

Source: Dr. R. Gopalan,
Composites Technology Park
Email: drgopalan2003@yahoo.com