Title: The use of different natural fibres in the compression moulding process a highly competitive approach

Authors: Bernhard R. Scheruebl, Bernd-Uwe Wulf

Addresses: CoE products, processes and materials, Teamleader solid plastics and metals, Rieter Automotive Management AG, Schlosstalstrasse 43, CH-8406 Winterthur, Switzerland. ' CoE products, processes and materials, Teamleader solid plastics and metals, Rieter Automotive Management AG, Schlosstalstrasse 43, CH-8406 Winterthur, Switzerland

Abstract: The paper deals with the use of different natural fibres in the compression moulding technology for the automotive industry. The technology used is the Long Fibre reinforced Thermoplastics – In Line Compounding (LFT–ILC) process, where the natural fibres are fed into the extrusion process. The development project was successfully transferred into a serial process including within 18 months. Details will be given about the topic of compression moulding, natural fibres and the challenges. The advantages like the flexibility of the process using different fibres like, Abaca, Hemp, Jute or Flax, are discussed. Finally the latest development will be described, using chopped fibres to improve the process and the mechanical performance.

Keywords: natural fibres; abaca; jute; chopped natural fibres; LFT; long fibre reinforced thermoplastics; compression moulding; extrusion process; natural fibre exterior applications; natural fibre automotive applications; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027838

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.304 - 316

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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