PREIMPREGNATED FLAX FIBRE LAMINATE FOR PROCESSING UNDER LOW PRESSURE CONDITIONS
The project „Preimpregnated Flax Fibre Laminate for processing under low pressure conditions” with the acronym CELPREG within the framework of CORNET Initiative – co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development (NCBR) – has been being carried out by Gdynia Cotton Association (the international coordinator) along with Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants (Poland) as well as Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (Germany) and Forschungsvereinigung Werkstoffeausnachwachsenden Rohstoffene.V. (Germany).
The project concerns the development of pre-impregnated laminates reinforced with flax fiber products for the needs of light structural constructions. The bast fibers, due to the low density compared to glass fibers, kevlar or synthetic fibers, are eagerly used as reinforcement of composites. As a result, this leads to a reduction in the weight of the final product and is beneficial from the point of view of environmental impact. The project will develop the structures of linear and flat flax fiber products with parameters that ensure the correct process of the prepregs formation and the high quality of composites. Laminates reinforced with flax products at the level of 60% will be produced through a cost-effective process of pre-impregnation and forming prepregs under low pressure using a natural epoxy resin. The developed laminate will be characterized by minimized porosity, which is associated with obtaining good mechanical properties. Thanks to the use of chemical modification of the fibers and epoxy resin with flame retardants, the obtained composite will have a reduced flammability, giving the possibility of wider application in many branches industry such as railways, the automotive industry, boatbuilding, architecture elements and others.
In Poland the development of the high-quality composites based on flax fiber under the project Celpreg will cause an increase in a demand for flax resulting in an economic awakening of the natural fibers sector.
More information about the project: http://celpreg.gca.org.pl
International Project Coordinator: Gdynia Cotton Association (GCA)
Consortium: Gdynia Cotton Association Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems Forschungsvereinigung Werkstoffeausnachwachsenden Rohstoffene.V.
Coordinator: Mrs. Katarzyna Święcicka (GCA) Research Manager: Dr hab. Małgorzata Zimniewska (Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants) Period of realisation: 01.06.2018 – 31.05.2020