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体材料中。 编织是一种高度通用的自动化制造方法，其中多种基质和纤维组合可用于生产先进的结构。 此外，可以通过改变编织角度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/生物树脂可适用于编织复合材料制造工艺。 将天然纤维和生物塑料/生物树脂与编织工艺相结合，将产生一种具有定制机械性能的自动化、近净形制造方法。 开发用于检查天然纤维生物塑料/生物树脂编织复合材料的结构的精确模型和方法将有助于采用这种生产方法。将实验和分析方法相结合来评估天然纤维编织复合材料。 该项目的长期目标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，许多生物复合材料是使用短纤维生产的，但使用连续纤维可以实现更高的强度和刚度。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内的内部应变场;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。 本文将利用三维数字图像相关（3D DIC）、数字体积相关（DVC）和微计算机断层扫描（µCT）等先进方法，对先进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。实验结果将支持天然纤维编织复合材料的新的分析模型的发展。本项目每年将培养1名博士生和3名硕士生以及3名本科生。 这是一个新颖的程序，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自动化天然纤维生物塑料/生物树脂编织复合材料生产航空航天和汽车应用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浪费的核心。 复合材料已经彻底改变了许多行业，随着环保型天然纤维编织复合材料的采用，这种创新趋势将继续下去。

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.