Fibre product and method of manufacturing a fibre product

Abstract

A fibre product and method of manufacturing a fibre product are disclosed. The fibre product comprises a plurality of rows of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant. The method of manufacturing includes arranging a plurality of rows of plant fibres to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant, and laying out the plant fibre sections individually.

Description

[0001] Title: Fibre product and method of manufacturing a fibre product

[0002] The invention generally relates to fibre products and their manufacture.

[0003] Fibre products are well known, and are typically composed from fibre and a polymer, and are typically assembled to form thin layered products. In each layer the fibres are positioned in a certain direction, that typically changes from layer to layer to achieve the desirable strength and stiffness. The fibres can be placed uni directional’ (all fibre in a layer in the same layer), layered in a 0 / 90 fashion, or e.g. made into woven fabrics.

[0004] The fibres are typically first made in a continuous length. Artificial fibres like carbon, glass or polymer fibres are made in a continuous process, for example via extrusion, fibre spinning or from molten glass. Natural fibres like cotton or flax are first assembled into continuous yarns, for example by spinning. The fibres are wound on bobbins. If short fibres are needed, the fibres are cut to the desired length. These processes have historically been optimized for efficiency and cost. However, they consume energy and therefore emit CO2 and other greenhouse gasses (calculated in ‘CO2 -equivalent’ CO2e emissions).

[0005] The invention aims to at least partially alleviate the above mentioned drawback. Thereto the invention provides for a fibre product, comprising a plurality of rows of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant. By composing the fibre product with plant fibre sections that are continuous sections of lengths of fibre grown by a plant, a composed fibre product can be obtained that is carbon negative. Plants or trees consume CO2 and partially convert this into plant material. The plant material is a combination of softer materials and fibres, to provide strength, stiffness and durability. The plant fibres can be used in a composite fibre product. The are several steps to extract the fibre from the plant and then to manufacture a fibre product and all these steps consume energy and therefore emit CO2. If the manufacturing steps are very efficient, the total energy consumed and CO2 emitted is less than what is absorbed by the plant, and therefore a carbon negative product is made. The product acts as a CO2 sink, in which CO2 is sequestered.

[0006] In the invention, the plant fibres are placed directly in a layer. These layers can be combined into a laminate, which provides the mechanical properties to the product. This way, several manufacturing steps as typically used in prior art processes can be eliminated, such as spinning the fibres into a continuous length fibre having a length that exceeds the length of fiber grown by the plant, then weaving these fibres into a fabric stored on a roll, then cutting the desired shapes from the fabric and combining it into a laminate. Also, first combining fibers into a continuous tape having a length that exceeds the length of fiber grown by the plant, and subsequently cutting the tape in sections of shorter length to make a product can be avoided. By instead keeping the length of the layer equal or smaller than the length of fiber grown by the plant, such manufacturing steps can be eliminated and a large portion of CO2 emissions can be prevented. The axial length of the fibre product may thus be equal to or smaller than the natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant. The axial length of the fibre product is then not longer than the natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant.

[0007] It also reduces cost which is another important factor to enable wider acceptance of biobased composite fibre products.

[0008] To be able to process plant fibres in conventional processes like spinning or weaving, the fibre needs to be made strong, flexible and smooth enough. Since in this invention the fibres are placed directly into the laminate layers, less processing steps are needed and the fibres can be used as they are extracted from the plant, with no or limited processing. For example in flax fibre, scutched instead of hackled flax can be used.

[0009] The plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the plane may be stabilized, in particular embedded in a binder or in a matrix material.

[0010] In one variant, the discrete fibres of similar length are placed in a tool, e.g. a mould, and stabilized. This stabilization can be with binder material (powder, pectine, polymer, adhesive), with a layer of polymer or other material that adheres to the fibres, by welding a strip at the edge of the fibres or by mechanical means such as clamping. This way sublaminates are made, so-called ‘Tiles’. These can be 1-layer or multi-layer laminates.

[0011] A layer has a layer length and a layer width. In a layer, the fibers are arranged to extend axially along the length of the layer. At least some and preferably a majority or more preferably all fibers extend along the full length of the layer. In the layer, the fibers are further arranged to extend along each in a row. The row extends across the layer width, transversely to the length of the fibers. The layer length may be equal to the layer width so as to form a square layer. A layer may also be rectangular, e.g. the layer length being at least equal to the layer width and being less or equal to 4 times the layer width, or e.g. the layer width being at least equal to the layer length and be less or equal to 4 times the layer length.

[0012] A tile may comprise a stack of several layers, preferably layers of equal shape. The fibers of layers in the stack may have different orientations relative to each other, and may in particular extend at 90° angles relative to each other. A tile has a tile length and a tile width. The tile length may be equal to the tile width so as to form a square tile. A tile may also be rectangular, e.g. the tile length being at least equal to the tile width and being less or equal to 4 times the tile width, or e.g. the tile width being at least equal to the tile length and be less or equal to 4 times the tile length. For at least some or all the layers in a tile, the layer length may be equal to the tile length, and / or the layer width may be equal to the tile width. This may e.g. be the case for layers in a square tile or a for layers in a rectangular tile of which the fibers have equal orientation. Alternatively, for at least some or all the layers in a tile, the layer length may be equal to the tile width, and / or the layer width may be equal to the tile width. This may e.g. be the case for layers in a rectangular tile of which the fibers extend at 90° angles relative to each other.

[0013] The layer length may thus be equal to or smaller than a natural extension of fiber as grown by a plant. Typically the layer length may be less than 250 mm, e.g. less than 100, 90, 60, 50, 40 or 30 cm. The layer length may typically be more than 10 cm, e.g. 20, 30, 40, or 50 cm. The layer length may e.g. be chosen from a range of 10-250 cm, 20-90 cm, 30-60 cm, or 40-50 cm. Also, typically, the tile length may be less than 250 mm, e.g. less than 100, 90, 60, 50, 40 or 30 cm. The tile length may typically be more than 10 cm, e.g. 20, 30, 40, or 50 cm. The tile length may e.g. be chosen from a range of 10-250 cm, 20-90 cm, 30-60 cm, or 40-50 cm.

[0014] The plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the layer in the mold may be placed in the mold and stabilized, in particular embedded in a binder or in a matrix material, per individual layer. However, placement and / or stabilization may be performed for several layers, optionally all layers in the stack, simultaneously.

[0015] By stacking in the right sequence, the full laminate is created. And by assembling them next to each other, the full size of the product is made. The tiles can be placed with an overlap to ensure good structural performance. To facilitate keeping a thickness of the product substantially constant at overlapping edges of the tiles, edges of the tiles may be thinned, by providing the tiles with a taper or bevel towards the edge. Tiles can be assembled together by bonding, melt -fusing, coconsolidation or co-curing to form an end product. This method of creating a composite part is very different from conventional methods to make composite parts, which always start with continuous fibre or material on a roll. From these rolls of material, specific shapes are cut, which are then assembled into a laminate. This leads to material waste and is an additional processing step, which emits CO2. With tiles, the production method is to add elements to each other, which gives much more flexibility and an easier manufacturing process. This assembly can be manual or with an automated process, for example robotic pick & place. The tiles can be flat or precurved. Larger products can be created by assembling the tiles in one layer next or besides each other. By placing the tiles in length direction, axially abutting fibre lengths can be created.

[0016] A layer, a tile and an end product may each be considered a species of fibre product discussed in this disclosure.

[0017] In another configuration, shorter plant fibres are accurately placed in the tool. The fibres are typically provided in bulk (bundle of short fibres). In the process, the fibres are first disentangled, and then aligned. Multiple aligned fibre streams can be combined to create a web of fibres, to enhance productivity. For example, in a continuous motion, the fibres are placed into the mould. This can be flat surface or a curved mould. The mould can be static or moving. The fibres can be disentangled using air, vibration, rotation, electrostatic effects, water flow or a combination. Methods for aligning the fibres can be vibration, a sliding tool with small channels, air- or fluidflow, forcing the fibres to plates or surfaces that create an alignment motion, using a sieve with aligned slots, using rollers or sliders to create friction, using rollers or sliders with spikes or needles, electrostatic effects, or a combination.

[0018] The plant fibres can be placed as much inline as possible, axially abutting, to ensure high mechanical properties. The fibres can be placed parallel to each other. The rows of fibres that are thus created, can be placed in one straight line or in a curved line, for example to follow the shape of a product or create better product properties. It is advantageous to use discrete length fibres for creating a curved line of fibres. Conventional fibres that are continuous are much more difficult to place in a curved line.

[0019] Different fibre lengths are possible. Plant fibres are typically maximum 30-50 cm long, and can even be 90-250 cm long in case of hemp fibers. During the extraction process also shorter fibres are extracted, for example fibres of 1-10 cm long. The method as described here can be used for all these different fibre lengths. It is also possible to have different fibres of different fibre lengths in one fibre product. It can be advantageous to use different fibre lengths, to create a more durable product with higher performance. Shorter fibre lengths for example can provide durability and the ability to stop cracks from growing, while longer fibre lengths provide high mechanical properties in stiffness and / or strength.

[0020] When the axial length of the plant fibre section used is smaller than a natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant, it can be achieved that length of the fibre section used is less than 0.5 of the natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant. This may e.g. be achieved by cutting or trimming continuous length of fibre as grown by the plant. By using plant fibre sections with such length, it can be achieved that the diameter-length ratio of the fibre is more optimal for the fibre product, or that placing the fibres into the fibre product is more efficient, or that the extraction process is more efficient.

[0021] When one or more rows of plant fibres includes a plurality of abutting plant fibre sections are axially aligned, it can be achieved that the mechanical performance is optimized, for example the strength and / or stiffness. It can also be achieved that the placement of fibres in a curved line is more efficient, or that draping in a forming process is more efficient, or that the chance of cracks propagating through the laminate is reduced, or that more damping can be achieved.

[0022] When the plant fibre sections are placed in a curved line, it can be achieved that the fibres follow the curvature of the product better or that the mechanical properties of the product are enhanced. When the plant fibre sections are obtained from flax, hemp, bamboo, sisal, ramie, jute, or other bast or leaf fibre plants, preferably bast fibre plants, it can be achieved that the fibre sections have preferable mechanical properties such as stiffness or strength or flexibility.

[0023] When the plant fibre sections are in their initial state after extraction from the plant, in particular non or relatively little hackled, combed or further processed, i.e. less than for conventional plant fibre processing, it can be achieved that less energy and CO2 emission is used in processing steps to convert the plant fibre sections into a fibre product, or that better properties can be achieved since less damage is done to the fibres.

[0024] When the plant fibre sections are uncomposed, in other words not combined into a fiber having a length that exceeds the length of fiber as grown by the plant, it can be achieved that the fibres are used as they are extracted from the plant and less energy and CO2 emission is used by avoiding the step to first make a continuous fibre product, such as with spinning, weaving or making a roving

[0025] When the product includes recycled material, in particular recycled plant material, it can be achieved that more of the fibrous material of the plant is used that otherwise would be considered waste.

[0026] When the plant fibre sections are free of axial twist it can be achieved that the fibres are straight and free of any twist, e.g. not intertwined to each other, or combined into a continuous yarn by spinning.

[0027] When the fibre sections are free of internal tension, it can be achieved that additional tension is introduced in the fibre product or that the assembly of fibres in a continuous roving or other semi-product by creating overlap and friction between the fibre sections is avoided

[0028] When the plant fibre sections are of substantially equal length, it can be achieved that the fibre product has a optimal performance and all fibres receive the same load.

[0029] When one or more of the plant fibre sections, preferably all, has or have an axial length in the range of 1 - 10 cm, preferably 2-7 cm, it can be achieved that small fibre products can be made, that placing the fibres axially abutting in curved lines is made easier and that all fibres from the plant fibre are used which reduces material waste.

[0030] When one or more of the plant fibre sections, preferably all, has or have an axial length in the range of 10 - 60cm, preferably 20-40 cm, it can be achieved that the maximum length of the plant fibre is used, to optimize mechanical performance of the fibre product. For some types of plant fibres, e.g. hemp fibres, the axial length may be longer, and may range from 40-250 cm, in particular 40-100 cm.

[0031] When wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections, preferably all, has or have a diameter in the range of 5 - 500 micrometer, preferably 10 - 100 micrometer, it can be achieved that the fibres with the maximum mechanical performance are used.

[0032] When the product comprises at least one further plurality of rows of fibres arranged to extend along each other in at least a further plane it can be achieved that one or more planes with plant fibers are placed above each other. This way, a multilayered fibre product can be formed. The product may comprise e.g. different axial orientation of the plant fibre section in each plane. Plant fibre sections of adjacent planes may include an angle, e.g. extend transversely to each other. Plant fibre sections in a plane or planes may form a layer or layers of a product. Planes with rows of fibers may be placed on top of each other. The product may include further layers of other material, e.g. further layers interposed between layers of plant fibre sections, or placed on top and / or bottom of layers of plant fibre sections, e.g. to form a sandwich.

[0033] When the plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the plane is stabilized, in particular embedded in a binder or in a matrix material, it can be achieved that a stable layer is created by the use of pectine, binder powder, polymer or with mechanical means; this stable layer can more easily be further processed into the fibre product.

[0034] When the fibre product includes material of which the production carbon negative, e.g. plant fibre sections and / or binder, it may be achieved that the production steps yield a negative CO2 emission.

[0035] When the fibre product is a combination of fibre lengths or fibre plant origins are used, it can be achieved that the fibre product has more optimal characteristics or mechanical performance or that the fibre products can be made at a lower cost.

[0036] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a fibre product, in particular a product as discussed above, wherein a plurality of rows of plant fibres are arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant, wherein the plant fibre sections are laid out individually.

[0037] The plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the plane may be stabilized by applying a binder or matrix material.

[0038] When the plant fibre sections are placed directly in a mold, it may be achieved that the fibre product can be made directly without the need for other intermediate steps

[0039] When the plant fibre sections are laid out untensioned, it may be achieved that internal tension in the fibre product is prevented which increases the performance; tensioning methods or devices are needed; forming of a laminate of fibre product is limited When fibre sections are laid out without having previously been rolled up, it may be achieved that less energy and CO2 emission is created by avoiding the intermediate steps, which results in carbon negative products.

[0040] When adjacent rows of plant fibres are formed by laying plant fibre sections end-tot-end in axial abutting arrangement, it may be achieved that fibre products that are larger than the plant fibres can be made; placing fibres in a curved line is made more easy

[0041] The above aspects of the invention individually alleviate disadvantages, and in combination can alleviate disadvantages further. The above aspects of the invention together form an invention, but may each individually also be seen as inventions on their own.

[0042] The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustrations of the invention.

[0043] In the drawings:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a fibre product, with the axially abutting fibre sections, in a straight or curved line.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of how the fibre sections are placed in a mould to create a plane of aligned fibres.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of several layers of fibre sections, to create a laminate of the fibre product

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a fibre product where the plant fibre sections extend to the edge of the plane, or tile,

[0048] Across the drawings of the exemplary embodiments, identical or corresponding parts have been provided with the same reference numerals.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of a fibre product 1 is shown. The fibre product comprises a plurality of rows 2 of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a flat plane. In this first exemplary embodiment, the fibres extend parallel to each other. Each row 2 of plant fibres includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented plant fibre sections 3 that are arranged end-to-end. The plant fibre sections 3 extend longitudinally about their individual axes along a straight line. Abutting plant fibre sections are axially aligned. The fibre sections can be placed in a straight line, or in a curved line.

[0050] Each plant fibre section 3 is a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant. In this exemplary embodiment, the axial length 1 of the plant fibre section 3 is smaller than a natural axial length L of the extension of fibre (4) as grown by the plant. The plant fibre sections 3 are uncomposed, and are in particular not composed of several plant fibre sections that have been intertwined to a continuous fibre in a spinning process as is typlically the case in prior art length of fibres from which sections are cut. The plant fibre sections 3 of this exemplary embodiment are free of axial twist, and free of internal tension.

[0051] The plant fibre sections are of equal length, and have an axial length of 5 cm. The plant fibre sections 3 have an average diameter of 20-30 micrometer. The plant fibre sections 3 in this exemplary embodiment have been obtained from continuous strands of fibre as grown by a plant. The stands of fibre have been obtained from a flax plant in a scuttling process. After scuttling the strands of fibre have been cut to provide the plant fibre sections 3. The plant fibre sections 3 are in their initial state after extraction from the plant, and have in particular not been hackled, combed or subjected to further processing of the fibres. As a less preferable alternative, they can be hackled, combed or subjected to further processing relatively little. In this exemplary embodiment, the rows 2 of plant fibre sections 3 that extend along each other have been stabilized using pectin as a matrix material 4. Referring to Figs. 2. the fibre product 1 of this example has been composed by arranging a plurality of rows of plant fibres 2 in parallel in a plane. This has been carried out by laying the consecutive plant fibre sections 3 of each row 2 of plant fibres one by one directly end-to-end in axial abutting arrangement in a mold 5. The plant fibre sections are laid out untensioned, and are laid out without having previously been rolled up. The discrete length fibre sections 3 are placed directly by placement tool 4.

[0052] After consecutive laying of the plurality adjacent rows 2 of plant fibres, the plurality of rows 2 of plant fibres are stabilized with a binder material that can be activated with heat, for example an IR lamp.

[0053] The fibre sections 3 are placed by a placement tool 4 into the mould. The placement tool 4 is moving in direction for the rows of plant fibres 2, to place the fibre sections 3 axially abutting. Fig 2 shows the fibres placed in a straight line.

[0054] Because the plant fibre sections 3 in this embodiment have been produced by flax plants that use CO2 for their growth, and have been obtained from flax fibre strands that have been produced by scutching only, the fibre product 1 includes material of which the production is carbon negative.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 3, the product 1 of this exemplary embodiment can be used to compose a layered product 1’. It comprises a plurality of parallel rows of fibres arranged in a second plane 6’ with plant fiber sections 3’ that extend transversely to the plant fiber sections 3 in plane 6, in this case at 45 degrees difference between fibre angles in the two planes. The first and second planes with fiber sections 3 are placed on top of each other, so that the plant fibre sections in each plane form a layer of the layered product.

[0056] Referring to Fig 3, the plant fibre sections can be axially abutting within a plane, or a tile as shown with plant fibre sections 3’ in plane 6’, or extend to the edge of a plane or tile as shown by plant fibre sections 3” in plane 6”. The tiles 7 and 8 can be placed next to each other, in the same plane 6”, and in this way create axially abutting fibres between different tiles 7 and 7’, and therefore between plant fibre sections 3” and 3”’.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 4, a second exemplary embodiment of a fibre product 1 is shown. The fibre product comprises a plurality of rows 2 of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a flat plane. In this example. The rows of plant fibres extend parallel to each other. Each row 2 of plant fibres includes a a single longitudinally oriented plant fibre section 3. The plant fibre sections 3 extend longitudinally about their individual axes along a straight line. The plant fibre sections are of equal length, and have an axial length in the range of 30 cm. The plant fibre sections 3 have an average diameter of 20-30 micrometer. Each plant fibre section 3 is a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a flax plant. In this second exemplary embodiment, the axial length 1 of the plant fibre section 3 is substantially equal to a natural axial length L of the extension of fibre as grown by the flax plant.

[0058] The plant fibre sections 3 in this exemplary embodiment have been obtained from continuous strands of fibre as grown by a flax plant. The stands of fibre have been obtained from a flax plant in a scutching process. After scutching the strands of fibre have been cut to provide the plant fibre sections 3. The plant fibre sections 3 are in their initial state after extraction from the plant, and have in particular not been hackled, or subjected to further processing of the fibres. As a less preferable alternative, they can be hackled, combed or subjected to further processing relatively little. In this exemplary embodiment, the parallel rows 2 of plant fibre sections 3 have been stabilized using a binder material. This can be a polymeric binder, or the pectine that is already present in the plant material, for example activated by using water. The disclosure includes at least the following numbered embodiments and combinations thereof.

[0059] Embodiment 1: A fibre product, comprising a plurality of rows of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant.

[0060] Embodiment 2: The fibre product of embodiment 1, wherein the axial length of the section, is equal to or smaller than a natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant.

[0061] Embodiment 3: The fibre product of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the plant fibre sections are obtained from flax, hemp, bamboo, sisal, ramie, jute, or other bast or leaf fibre plants, preferably bast fiber plants.

[0062] Embodiment 4: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the plant fibre sections are uncomposed.

[0063] Embodiment 5: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the product includes recycled material, in particular recycled plant material. Embodiment 6: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the plant fibre sections are free of axial twist relative to each other.

[0064] Embodiment 7: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the plant fibre sections are free of internal tension relative to each other. Embodiment 8: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the plant fibre sections are of substantially equal length.

[0065] Embodiment 9: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has an axial length in the range of 1 - 10 cm, preferably 2-7 cm.

[0066] Embodiment 10: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has an axial length in the range of 10 - 60cm, preferably 20-40 cm, or in the range of 40-250 cm, in particular 40- 100 cm.

[0067] Embodiment 11: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has a diameter in the range of 5 - 500 micrometer, preferably 10 - 100 micrometer.

[0068] Embodiment 12: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the product comprises at least one further plurality of rows of fibres arranged to extend along each other in at least a further plane.

[0069] Embodiment 13: The fibre product of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein combinations of fibre lenghts or fibre plant origins are used.

[0070] Embodiment 14: A method of manufacturing a fibre product, in particular a product in accordance with any of the preceding embodiemnts, wherein a plurality of rows of plant fibres are arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant, wherein the plant fibre sections are laid out individually

[0071] Embodiment 15: The method of embodiment 14, wherein the plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the plane are stabilized by applying a binder or matrix material

[0072] Embodiment 16: The method of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the plant fibre sections are placed in a mold.

[0073] Embodiment 17: The method of embodiment 14, 15 or 16, wherein the plant fibre sections are laid out untensioned.

[0074] Embodiment 18: The method of any of embodiments 14-17, wherein the fibre sections are laid out without having previously been rolled up.

[0075] Many variations will be apparent to the skilled person in the art. For example, the rows of plant fibres may not extend along straight lines as shown in the example, but may also extend along curved lines. Also, due to their biological origin the plant fibres in a row may vary in width, and may thus extend along each other substantially in parallel. Also, some of the plant fibre sections may not have been successfully laid down to extend along each other, and locally there may be plant fibres included the product do not extend along each other. This can be regarded as defects, or be done on purpose to create better properties. Also, combinations of fibre lengths are possible, or combinations of fibres grown by different plants. Such variations are understood to be comprised within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0076] List of reference signs

[0077] 1 fibre product

[0078] 1’ layered fibre product 2 row of plant fibres

[0079] 3 plant fibre section

[0080] 3’ plant fibre section

[0081] 3” plant fibre section

[0082] 3”’ plant fibre section 4 matrix material

[0083] 5 mold

[0084] 6 plane in which fibres are placed

[0085] 7 tiles, a section of a plane L axial length plant fiber strand

[0086] 1 axial length plant fibre section

Claims

Claims1. A fibre product, comprising a plurality of rows of plant fibres arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant.

2. The fibre product of claim 1, wherein the axial length of the section, is equal to or smaller than a natural axial length of the extension of fibre as grown by the plant.

3. The fibre product of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more rows of plant fibres includes a plurality of abutting plant fibre sections are axially aligned.

4. The fibre product of claim 3, where the plant fibre sections are placed in a curved line.

5. The fibre product of any of claims 1-4, wherein the plant fibre sections are obtained from flax, hemp, bamboo, sisal, ramie, jute, or other bast or leaf fibre plants, preferably bast fiber plants.

6. The fibre product of any of claims 1-5, wherein the plant fibre sections are in their initial state after extraction from the plant, preferably in particular non or relatively little hackled, combed or further processed.

7. The fibre product of any of claims 1-6, wherein the plant fibre sections are uncomposed.

8. The fibre product of any of claims 1-7, wherein the product includes recycled material, in particular recycled plant material.

9. The fibre product of any of claims 1-8, wherein the plant fibre sections are free of axial twist relative to each other.

10. The fibre product of any of claims 1-9, wherein the plant fibre sections are free of internal tension relative to each other.

11. The fibre product of any of claims 1-10, wherein the plant fibre sections are of substantially equal length.

12. The fibre product of any of claims 1-11, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has an axial length in the range of 1 - 10 cm, preferably 2-7 cm.

13. The fibre product of any of claims 1-12, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has an axial length in the range of 10 - 60cm, preferably 20-40 cm, or in the range of 40-250 cm, in particular 40-100 cm.

14. The fibre product of any of claims 1-13, wherein one or more of the plant fibre sections has a diameter in the range of 5 - 500 micrometer, preferably 10 - 100 micrometer.

15. The fibre product of any of claims 1-14, wherein the product comprises at least one further plurality of rows of fibres arranged to extend along each other in at least a further plane.

16. The fibre product of any of claims 1-15, wherein the plurality of rows of plant fibre sections arranged in the plane are stabilized, in particular embedded in a binder or in a matrix material.

17. The fibre product of any of the preceding claims 1-16, wherein the fibre product includes material of which the production is carbon negative.

18. The fibre product of any of the preceding claims 1-17, wherein combinations of fibre lenghts or fibre plant origins are used.

19. A method of manufacturing a fibre product, in particular a product in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of rows of plant fibres are arranged to extend along each other in a plane, each row of plant fibres including at least one longitudinally oriented plant fibre section, the plant fibre section being a continuous section of an extension of fibre grown by a plant, wherein the plant fibre sections are laid out individually.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plant fibre sections are placed directly in a mold.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the plant fibre sections are laid out untensioned.

22. The method of any of claims 19-21, wherein the fibre sections are laid out without having previously been rolled up.

23. The method of any of claims 19-22, wherein adjacent rows of plant fibres are formed by laying plant fibre sections end-tot-end in axial abutting arrangement.

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