Towards fully sustainable high-performance biocomposites for lightweight vehicles

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Cellulose fibres hold a potential to provide a sustainable alternative to glass and carbon fibres. However, theirapplication on a commercial scale is limited by the challenges around durability, water resistance, andstructural strength/engineering performance. In the automotive industry, there is interest in replacing glassand carbon fibre, plastic and metal elements with biomaterials. Such substitution will result in the reduction ofvehicle weight, leading to increased fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint. Some success in this matter hasbeen reported concerning the elements of car interiors, yet application of biocomposites for external partsremains a challenge. In this project we examine a novel modification of cellulose fibres in order to improve thewater resistance and the strength/engineering performance related characteristics. Modified cellulose fibreswill be used to produce samples that will subsequently undergo testing according to the specifications providedby car manufacturers. If successful, it will be a significant step towards 100% bio-based materials to be used ina car body.