Manju Misra, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Composite Materials and Structures Center, Michigan State University, 2100 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824 and Lawrence T. Drzal, Composite Materials and Structures Center and Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, 2100 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1226.
Natural/Bio-fiber composites (biocomposites) are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber reinforced composites especially in automotive and building product applications. The combination of cellulosic biofibers such as kenaf, industrial hemp, flax, jute, henequen, pineapple leaf fiber(PALF) and sisal with polymer matrices from both non-renewable and renewable resources to produce composite materials that are competitive with synthetic composites requires special attention i.e. biofiber-matrix interface and novel processing. This presentation will highlight on biocomposite sheet molding compounding (BSMC) processing technology to fabricate structural and semi-structural composites for automotive parts and housing structures.