Low-cost manufacturing and recycling of advanced biocomposites

Abstract

In this paper, the capabilities of Specialized Elastomeric Tooling for Resin Infusion, a low-cost and low-energy autoclaving alternative for consolidating and curing resin-infused thermoset composite parts, are expanded to biobased composites. Specifically, multiple flat laminate parts (10-ply stack of woven cellulose fiber with a high bio-content, recyclable epoxy resin matrix) are infused with bioresin, consolidated between a temperature-controlled rigid tool and matching rubber-faced tool specially engineered to provide uniform pressure under load, and then thermally cured in place. As expected, parts made using this process are thinner, have higher stiffness and strength, and have fewer surface voids as consolidation pressure is increased. Experimental results reported include resin infusion observations, part thickness, surface roughness, microscopy, tensile strength/modulus, and flexural strength/modulus. Following consolidation and curing, the recyclability of the cellulose textile is assessed by dissolving the commercially available bioresin in a dilute acetic acid bath to create a recyclable thermoplastic.

Keywords

• cellulose fiber
• biocomposites
• bioresin
• composites manufacturing