BIOCOMPOSITES BASED ON POLYESTERS AND NATURAL FIBRES

The use of “bio-polymers” for the production of “bio-plastic” and “Bio based composites” has became worldwide an assessed priority with the aim of reducing dependence from petro sources, and handle the concern for disposal of waste generated from not degradable plastics. Their use has attracted interest of various application sectors ranging from packaging to automotive components and other high value applications, and has been from many year a main topic of research activity in our unit, bound to several related European and Regional projects (PHA- ARFAS 2007-2013). Advantages of natural fibres on conventional reinforcements such as glass and aramid fibres are their relative cheapness, ability to recycle, and competition with them in terms of strength per weight of material. However the strength of the bond between fibres and matrix is substantial for the best mechanical performances of a composite. Many factors interacting with each other affect the complex process of the fibre/matrix adhesion