Optimising Natural Fibres for Composites

  • Tuesday 21st February 2012, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield 09:00 -16:00

    This event seeks to present recent and ongoing research and development to improve performance and consistency in natural fibres, addressing:

        fire retardance
        moisture uptake
        odour and fungal attack
        consistency of properties
        interfacial properties and adhesion to matrices
        improved mechanical properties

    InCrops Business Innovation Manager, Dr Mark Coleman, is one of the speakers at this joint event looking at the current applications for natural fibres and the future prospects.

    Surface treatments of various kinds can impact several of these areas. Processing techniques such as blending over several harvests can greatly improve consistency of fibres. Several different approaches will be presented by experts from industry and academia, and time will be given to discuss future work that is needed to fully exploit the benefits of natural fibres. Details of relevant funding opportunities will be presented, including the TSB low carbon vehicles competition.

    Who should attend:
    suppliers of natural fibres and natural fibre products
    materials suppliers, e.g. pre-preggers, SMC manufacturers, weavers,  working  with / interested in natural fibres
    composites parts manufacturers interested in using bio-derived materials
    academics researching, or interested in researching natural fibres
    end users / OEMs in transport sectors
    construction companies / architects
    product designers interested in natural fibres
     
    Registration and cost: The event costs £45 for members of Materials KTN or Incrops clients . £145 for non-members. Membership of the Materials KTN is free (click here for more information)
    Click here for more information and to register for the event

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