It is a material brought about

by combining materials
differing in composition or
form on a macro scale for the
purpose of obtaining specific
characteristic properties.

The constituent retain their

identity such that they can be
physically identified.

Coupling
Agent

Matrix

Fibres

Bio
composite

Fillers

Biocomposites are composite materials comprising of one or more

phase(s) derived from a biological origin.

This could include plant fibres such as cotton, flax, hemp, etc or
fibres from recycled wood or waste paper, or even by-products
from food crops like rice, sugarcane, etc.

Regenerated cellulose fibres i.e. viscose and rayon are also included
as they too come from a renewable resources.

Fiber is the principle constituent of a composite

material.
Proper selection of type, amount, and orientation of
fibers is important since it influences the following
characteristics of a composite material;

Specific gravity,
Tensile strength,
Composite strength ,
Fatigue strength as well as fatigue failure mechanism,
Electrical & thermal conductivity,
Cost.

Matrix in the fibre reinforced composite holds the fibre together.

The main functions of matrix are:

To transfer stresses between fibers,
Provide barrier against adverse environment,
Protect fibre surface from mechanical abrasion,
Plays minor role in tensile load carrying capacity of a composite structure.

Important points to be considered while selecting matrix:

Viscosity,
Melting point,
Curing temperature.

Matrices may be polymers derived from renewable resources

such as vegetable oils or starches.

Or may be synthetic, fossil-derived polymers preponderate

and may be thermoplastics such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, or virgin
thermosets such as unsaturated polyesters, phenol
formaldehyde, isocyanates and epoxies.

Coupling agent or coatings- to improve wetting with

matrix as well as to promote bonding across fibre matrix
interface.

Fillers to improve cost structure & dimensional

stability.

Manufacturing of laminates starts with incorporation of

large number of fibres in to a thin layer of matrix to
form lamina.
Thickness ranges from 0.1-1mm.
For continuous fibre:

Unidirectional Continuous

Bi-directional Continuous

For non continuous fibre:

Random Orientation

Unidirectional Orientation

Further fiber reinforced composites structure are obtained by

stacking several laminas in a specified sequence to form a laminate.

1) Building Industry :

They are used in large variety of

building material such as

Doors & Window Panels,

Tables and chairs,

Carpets,

Cupboards,

Roofing,

Bridge and dam,

Fibre cement.

Fibre cement is fibre reinforced cement composite, finding

versatile and increasing uses in exterior and interior of the
building.
Wood fibre cement composites

Can be used to substitute asbestos cement products,

Better durability,
Rot and insect resistance.

Sisal fibre cement composites

Sisal fibre provide improved toughness and post cracking of the

matrix.

PHA(poly hydroxy alkonate) which is derived by fermenting sugar and corn

oils by microbes can be processed into biodegradable material such as fibre,
film, or can be molded as per requirement.
It can be used for products such as coffee cup, soup bowl, picnic plates, utensils,
condiments cups.
Main advantages are food contact acceptable, heat resistance, water and oil
resistance, high clarity, scratch resistance.

Automotive industry has shown increased interests in applications

of the biocomposite materials, as environmental concern solutions.
The number of sole purposes, which gave the green light for the
natural fibres exploration in automotive, were demands for
Lightweight parts and good recycling possibilities.
The main advantages by use of bio composite is:

Light weight structure so low fuel consumption.

Good formability.
Good mechanical performance.
High sound absorption.
Cost saving due to low material cost.

With natural fiber composites, car weight can be reduced up to

35%.
Places were biocomposites can be used in automobiles are
dashboard panels,
finishing trims,
car mats,
seats etc.

PLA(poly lactic acid) because of its light weight property has found
application in the interiors of the car.
Most recognized natural fibres in automotive industry are flax, hemp,
kenaf, jute and sisal.
Natural fibre reinforced PP composites can be molded in desired
shape and thickness and are very popular in interior application.
Coconut fibre with natural rubber is used for seat surface and backrest.

Flax carbon composites are used for manufacturing of

bicycle parts like forks, etc.

Peat fibres are used for manufacturing

of composites which have their
applications in greenhouse cultivation.

Main advantages with peat composites

are reduced water uptake and
durability.

Environmental Aspects,
Biological Aspects,
Production Aspects,
Component Weight Issues,
Financial Aspects,
General Aspects.

High moisture sensitivity,

Low biological resistance,
Low fire resistance,
Dimensional instability.

Many manufactured goods are based on non-renewable materials such as fossil fuels and
minerals. Unfortunately, many problems have been associated with the utilization of these
products such as increasing costs, and environmental degradation due to extraction,
processing, and disposal. Therefore, researchers have recently focused attention on
biocomposites.

Development of biocomposites as an alternative to petroleum based materials is addressing

the dependence on imported oil, reducing carbon dioxide emission, and generating more
economical opportunities for the agricultural sector. Furthermore, biocomposites offer
opportunities for environmental gains, reduced energy consumption

Biocomposites: technology, environmental credentials and market forces

by Paul A Fowler, J Mark Hughes and Robert M lias.
Applications of Biocomposites in Building Industry by MEahsa Golbabaie.
Biobased Structural Composite Materials for Housing and Infrastructure
Applications: Opportunities and Challenges by L.T. Drzal, A. K. Mohanty,
R. Burgueo, and M. Misra.
Development of designed biocomposites for orthopedic application by
shekar nath and bikramjit basu.
Bioproducts Of Automotive Accessories: Rethinking Design Materials
Through Cornstarch, Sugarcane And Hemp by Apisak Sindhuphak.

Thank You