Sandwich composite material with agave core and natural fiber reinforced cover layers

Abstract

Sandwich composite material: ◯ A sandwich composite material consisting of a core material made of agave and natural fiber reinforced face sheets, wherein the reinforcing fibers are made of bast fibers and the resin is of plant origin and / or recyclable.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to the field of composite materials, in particular those with biological and sustainable materials. State of the art:

[0002] Balsa wood is currently a widely used material in aerospace and model making. It is characterized by its low weight and good mechanical properties; however, its procurement presents ecological and economic challenges. Technical problem:

[0003] There is a need for an alternative material to balsa wood that offers comparable or better mechanical properties, but is more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. Solution:

[0004] The developed sandwich composite material consists of a core material made of agave, which has a 90° fiber orientation to the face layers (end grain) and a density of 40 - 80 kg / m³. 3This core material is reinforced by natural fiber-reinforced outer layers. The reinforcing fibers consist of bast fibers (e.g., flax, hemp), and the resin used is of plant origin and / or recyclable. The material is obtained from the inner part of the flower stalk of the agave, which is widespread in Central and North America as well as Africa. Current status:

[0005] Currently, this material is a waste product for which there are no attractive recycling strategies. It represents a burden for farmers. Together with local partners, we are building a supply chain to commercialize this material. Example implementation:

[0006] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to tests that show the material exhibits specific compressive properties comparable to those of balsa wood, but at a significantly lower density. These tests were conducted in cooperation with Bremen University of Applied Sciences in the summer / autumn of 2023. Compressive strength tests according to DIN 53294 were performed, yielding average compressive strength values ​​of 1.5 MPa at a density of 60 kg / m³. 3 The results will be published in scientific publications in due course, in accordance with our intention to protect the innovation through a utility model. Advantages: • High specific mechanical properties • Up to 100% biological materials • Sustainable use of agave, which was previously considered a waste material Summary: • Core material: Agave ◯ Fiber orientation: 90° to the cover layers (end grain) Density: 40 - 80 kg / m³ 3 ◯ Extraction: From the inside of the flower stem ◯ Distribution: Central and North America, Africa • Cover layers: Natural fiber reinforced ◯ Reinforcing fibers: Bast fibers (e.g. flax, hemp) ◯ Resin: Of plant origin and / or recyclable • Characteristics: ◯ Mechanical properties: Comparable to balsa wood, but at a lower density ◯ Material: Up to 100% organic

Claims

[1] Sandwich composite material: ◯ A sandwich composite material consisting of a core material made of agave and natural fiber reinforced cover layers, wherein the reinforcing fibers are made of bast fibers and the resin is of plant origin and / or recyclable. [2] Alternative to balsa wood: ◯ Use of the sandwich composite material according to claim 1 as an alternative to balsa wood in applications requiring high specific mechanical properties.

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