LANXESS launches new biocomposite material with natural fiber-reinforced PLA matrix

LANXESS has added a new product to its Tepex family of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites
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Committed to using more bio-based and renewable raw materials to conserve resources and ensure that its own production processes are no longer dependent on fossil resources, the company has successfully developed a fully bio-based composite material
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Stefan Seidel, head of research and development at LANXESS Tepex, explains: "We have combined a fabric made of natural flax fibers with biobased PLA as matrix material to develop a composite material that is manufactured entirely from natural resources
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We are now able to Make it at a quality level suitable for mass production
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The new biocomposite is not only made entirely from renewable materials, but can also be fully recycled as part of a closed-loop material cycle
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Seidel said: "Scraps and production waste can be reground and easily used for injection molding or extrusion, either alone or in combination with unreinforced or short-fiber-reinforced composite new materials
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Flax fiber has a much lower density than glass fiber
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As a result, the new flax fiber-reinforced composites are much lighter in weight than glass fiber-reinforced composites
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After processing into continuous fiber reinforced fabrics, the biocomposite exhibits mechanical properties typical of all Tepex products, dominated by continuous fibers aligned in a specific direction
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The specific stiffness of the biocomposite is comparable to that of the equivalent glass fiber reinforced variant
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Designing a composite component to accommodate the expected load transfers most of the force through the continuous fibers, enabling the high strength and stiffness properties of fiber-reinforced materials
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The combination of linen and transparent PLA produces a surface with the appearance of brown natural carbon fiber, which helps to emphasize the sustainable aspect of the material, creating more visual appeal
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In addition to sports equipment, this biocomposite is also suitable for the manufacture of automotive interior parts, or electronic, housing components
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In the medium term, LANXESS plans to use other bio-based thermoplastics such as polyamide 11 and other natural and recycled fibers in the production of Tepex
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