NFRP: Potential and Applications

Plastics Natural fiber-reinforced plastics in technical components

2024-09-27 From | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

Natural fiber-reinforced plastics (NFRP) are not only sustainable but also have ecological relevance. For them to replace traditionally reinforced materials—which is not so easy in many applications—researchers at Fraunhofer are committed in their joint project "NaFiTech" to increase the potential of NFRP.

Natural fiber-reinforced plastics also offer high application potential for technical components.(Image: Fraunhofer LBF) — Natural fiber-reinforced plastics also offer high application potential for technical components.
(Image: Fraunhofer LBF)

Natural fiber-reinforced plastics (NFRP) offer promising alternatives to conventional materials. These materials combine the advantageous properties of plastics with the sustainable aspects of natural fibers. Compared to traditional glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP), natural fiber-reinforced plastics often have lower mechanical properties, exhibit higher variability, and are more thermally sensitive. They also absorb moisture, which can impair their performance. However, NFRPs score points for their lower weight, higher impact strength with less tendency to splinter, and their bio-based origin. While GFRPs have been successfully used in various applications for decades, the use of NFRPs still holds great potential for sustainable innovations, especially in technical components.

Regulate the impact of moisture on natural fiber-reinforced plastics

The properties of NFRP in application have been studied by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in various past projects. They developed methods for fiber pretreatment to regulate the impact of moisture on natural fiber-reinforced plastics. Additionally, they devised methods to consider mechanical properties in component design. These and other findings form the basis for the new industrial collaborative project "NaFiTech." In this project, various natural fibers, matrix materials, and processing methods are being explored to identify the best combinations for different applications. The aim of the project is to systematically analyze the challenges, limits, and potentials of natural fiber-reinforced plastics, particularly for technical components.

Data basis helps to evaluate natural fiber-reinforced composites

As part of the project, a solid data base is being developed to comprehensively assess the possibilities and perspectives of these ecologically relevant materials. The Fraunhofer LBF is seeking participants from the industry who are interested in the further development and application of NFRP. Together, they aim to find new ways to optimize the performance of NFRP and expand its potential applications.

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