Natural fibre composites for automotive applications

A. Rubio*, C. Elizetxea, N. Calleja, I. Gaztelumendi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The main advantage of the use of composite materials is related to their intrinsic lightweight. In this way, labour and transport costs will be strongly decreased, and the total weight of the manufactured part will be minimised. The reduction of weight implies a considerable reduction of fuel consumption with the consequent respect to the environment. Although glass fibres, as plastics, are not intrinsically harmful to the environment, some of their products can be dangerous or, at least, environment "unfriendly". The health hazards of dealing with glass fibres have been already mentioned. A second drawback of these materials regards their recyclability because it requires costly separation procedures. It is clear that from this point of view natural fibre offer more possibilities for a complete recyclability allowing the development of «eco-waste» technologies and products. This work has been carried out within the European Growth Project G5RD-CT1999-00147 "Eco-Efficient Technologies and Products based on Natural Fibre Composites-ECOFINA".

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationREWAS'04 - Global Symposium on Recycling, Waste Treatment and Clean Technology - Proceedings
EditorsI. Gaballah, B. Mishra, R. Solozabal, M. Tanaka
Pages423-432
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2005
EventREWAS'04 - Global Symposium on Recycling, Waste Treatment and Clean Technology - Madrid, Spain
Duration: 26 Sept 200429 Sept 2004

Publication series

NameREWAS'04 - Global Symposium on Recycling, Waste Treatment and Clean Technology

Conference

ConferenceREWAS'04 - Global Symposium on Recycling, Waste Treatment and Clean Technology
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period26/09/0429/09/04

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Natural fibre composites for automotive applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this