Branched natural fibrous composites for improved technical components

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The major goal of this project is the development of structurally optimized, branched fibrous compound structures for technical use as lightweight construction elements with a high load-bearing capacity inspired by hierarchically organized, branched plant structures. The biological role models for these elements are the ramifications of selected plant species with a pronounced fibre-matrix-structure, optimised in the course of biological evolution under various kinds of static and dynamic loads. It could be shown in the project phases 1 and 2 that stem-branch attachments in Dragon trees (Dracaena spp.) and different Freycinetia-species (both arborescent monocotyledons) and branched columnar cacti possess a high potential for transfer into technical adaptation. Further analysis of the hierarchical composition at the branching regions (structuring and multiscale mechanics of branching regions on various hierarchical levels, arrangement and orientation of fibre-/wood-bundles and fibres, internal structure of the wood fibres) and evaluation of the mechanical significance of the specific arrangement of fibre-/wood-bundles and fibres by means of modern state-of-the-art material testing and simulation techniques, allowed to adjust and modify the customised manufacturing processes developed in phase 1 and 2, and to further develop the manufacture of innovative fibrous compound structures inspired by biological models.