Structural Composites with High Biobased Content

从可再生资源中提取的材料如今越来越受到人们的关注，因为它们可以帮助我们减少对石化材料的依赖。对于任何新的复合材料系统，了解作为基质树脂结构和组成以及纤维类型、表面功能化和纤维含量的函数的性能是至关重要的。因此，该项目的重点是了解关键设计变量对使用新型生物基树脂系统和天然纤维作为增强材料的复合材料性能的影响。使用这种新型树脂体系和天然纤维进行的初步实验表明，该复合材料具有良好的结构性能，并可生成生物含量高达60%或更高的生物基复合材料体系。将进行基质树脂体系的结构-性能研究，以了解变量，如环氧官能度、酸酐交联剂、催化剂和加入量，以及固化条件对性能的影响，如模数、抗冲击性、玻璃化转变温度、热稳定性、吸水率和耐久性。将制备玻璃纤维增强复合材料和天然纤维，并评价纤维处理、纤维含量对性能的影响。将探索基质树脂和由此产生的复合系统的耐久性。将建立生物复合材料的结构-工艺-性能关系，以作为结构建筑级材料使用。使用主要来自农产品的材料是可持续未来的关键组成部分，可以减少对石化衍生材料的依赖，减少能源消耗，减少碳排放。该项目的科学成果可以导致开发一种新的生物基结构复合材料系统，满足可持续发展的目标以及结构应用的性能要求。该项目的重点是了解生物基复合材料系统的每个组件(树脂、纤维和树脂-纤维界面)对复合材料的重要性能的影响，因为它们与结构性能和耐久性有关。

Materials derived from renewable resources have increasing interest today since they can help reduce our dependence on petrochemical based materials. With any new composite material system, understanding the properties as a function of matrix resin structure and composition as well as fiber type, surface functionalization, and fiber loading is critical. Thus, the focus of the project is to understand the impact of critical design variables on performance of composites using a new biobased resin system in combination with natural fibers as reinforcement. Preliminary experiments using this new resin system along with natural fibers have shown that the composites have promising structural properties and can lead to a biobased composite system with high biocontent, 60% or greater. Structure-property studies of the matrix resin system will be carried out to understand the impact of variables such as epoxy functionality, anhydride crosslinker, catalyst and loading, and curing conditions on properties such as modulus, impact resistance, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, water sorption, and durability. Composites with glass fiber reinforcement along with natural fibers will be prepared and the effect of fiber treatment, fiber loading on the properties will be evaluated. The durability of the matrix resin and resulting composite systems will be explored. Structure-process-property relationships will be established for the biocomposites produced with regards to durability for use as a structural construction grade material.The use of materials derived largely from agricultural products is a key component of a sustainable future and can lead to a reduction of dependence on petrochemical derived materials, reduced energy usage, and a reduction in carbon emissions. The scientific results of this project can lead to the development of a new biobased structural composite material system meeting the goals of sustainability as well as the performance requirements for structural applications. The focus of the project is to understand the influence of each component of the biobased composite system (resin, fiber, and resin-fiber interface) on important properties of the composite as they relate to structural performance and durability.