Plant-Sourced Biocomposites

Consumers demand environmentally friendly technologies. ACS Australia staff and CRC-ACS participants have undertaken development of plant fibre biocomposites, utilising conventional and plant-sourced polymer systems, to produce reliable, sustainable technology for this next generation of composites.

Several research programs are addressing applications from aircraft interiors to building products. One stream of technology development has focused on extruded wood and natural fibre combined with conventional thermoplastics, for the replacement of timber products in a range of applications.

Another stream has concentrated on textiles for replacement of random and continuous glass fibre. Yet more work is underway in developing treatment systems for improving moisture, adhesion and fire performance of plant-based fibres, for application to partially and wholly plant-sourced composites. We are collaborating with a wide range of institutions around Australia and across the globe in this emerging field.