Bio-based braided composites for industrial applications

编织复合材料是一种先进的制造方法，它将交织的纤维结合在基质材料中。编织是一种用途广泛的自动化制造方法，其中可以使用多种基质和纤维组合来生产先进的结构。此外，还可以通过改变编织角或编织图案来改变编织几何形状，以控制机械性能。天然纤维和生物塑料/生物树脂可以适应编织复合材料的制造工艺。将天然纤维和生物塑料/生物树脂与编织过程相结合，将产生一种具有定制机械性能的自动化、近净形状制造方法。开发精确的模型和方法来检验天然纤维生物塑料/生物树脂编织复合材料的结构将有助于采用这种生产方法。*将使用实验和分析相结合的方法来评价天然纤维编织复合材料。该项目的长期目标将是探索用于先进编织复合材料结构的替代天然纤维和生物基材料。目前，许多生物复合材料都是用短纤维制成的，但连续纤维可以获得更高的强度和刚度。短期目标是研究天然纤维编织复合材料的微观结构；研究天然纤维编织复合材料结构的内部应变场；表征天然纤维编织复合材料的力学性能；并开发改进的分析模型。利用三维数字图像相关(3D DIC)、数字体积相关(DVC)和微CT(µCT)等先进方法对先进的天然纤维编织复合材料的力学性能、微观结构和热性能进行研究。实验结果将为开发新的天然纤维编织复合材料分析模型提供支持。该项目每年将培养1名博士生和3名硕士研究生以及3名本科生。*这是一个新颖的项目，结合了编织和生物复合材料的元素。这项工作的成果将导致航空航天和汽车应用的天然纤维-生物塑料/生物树脂编织复合材料的自动化生产，以及其他先进的复合材料结构。生物复合材料是减少当前温室气体排放和减少复合材料废物的核心。复合材料已经给许多行业带来了革命性的变化，这种创新趋势将随着环境友好型天然纤维编织复合材料的采用而继续下去。**

Braided composites are an advanced manufacturing method that combines interlaced fibers within a matrix material. Braiding is a highly versatile automated manufacturing method where a multitude of matrix and fiber combinations can be used to produce advanced structures. In addition, braid geometries can be altered by changing braid angle or braid pattern in order to control mechanical properties. Natural fibers and bioplastics/bio-resins can be adapted to a braided composite manufacturing process. Combining natural fibers and bioplastics/bio-resins with the braiding process will lead to an automated, near net shape fabrication method with tailor-made mechanical properties. Developing accurate models and methodologies for examining the structure of natural fiber bioplastic/bio-resin braided composites will aid in the adoption of this production method.******Combined experimental and analytical methods will be used to evaluate natural fiber braided composites. The long term objective of this project will be to explore alternative natural fiber and bio-based materials for advanced braided composite structures. Currently, many bio-composites are produced using short fibers but higher strength and stiffness can be achieved with continuous fibers. The short term objectives are to examine the micro-structure of natural fiber braided composites; examine the internal strain fields within natural fiber braided composite structures; characterize the mechanical properties of natural fiber braided composites; and develop improved analytical models. The mechanical properties, micro-structure and thermal properties of advanced natural fiber braided composites will be explored using advanced methods such as three dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC), digital volume correlation (DVC) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Experimental results will support the development of new analytical models for natural fiber braided composites. This project will train 1 PhD student and 3 MSc students as well as three undergraduate students per year. ******This is a novel program that combines elements of braiding and bio-composite materials. The outcome of this work will lead to automated natural fiber-bioplastic/bio-resin braid composite production for aerospace and automotive applications as well as other advanced composite structures. Bio-composites are central to reducing current greenhouse emissions and reducing composite material waste. Composites materials have revolutionized a multitude of industries and this trend of innovation will continue with the adoption of environmentally friendly natural fiber braided composites. **