Bio-composites COMPOSITES EUROPE 2014
Düsseldorf, Germany - Materials made from wood flour, cotton, flax, jute, or even hemp, especially in the European automotive industry, they are already being used as molded parts – other industries increasingly follow. Bio-composites have an ever growing importance for the future of the manufacturing industry. COMPOSITES EUROPE 2014 show from 7 to 9 October, the full potential of biological composites.
Numerous specialized in bio-composites exhibitor at COMPOSITES EUROPE show their product solutions. Even the nova-Institut from Hürth exhibits at the fair.The private and independent institution operating for more than 20 years of worldwide research in the areas of raw material supply, technical and economic evaluation and market research.
Dipl.-Phys. Michael Carus, Managing Director of the nova-Institute, already sees a positive development when it comes to where bio-composites are used in industry. “In 2012, featured about 100 companies in the EU more than 350,000 tons of bio-composites ago – with wood and natural fiber reinforcement. Most of the products were extruded with wood flour and fibers to decking (wood plastic composites). Natural fibers mainly found in automotive interiors as molded parts use. In 2012, there were 90,000 tons of such natural fiber composites (Natural Fibre Composites) in the European automotive production. The proportion of all bio-composites, WPC and NFC together, has already reached 15 percent of the total composite market. “( http://bio-based.eu/news/bioverbundwerkstoffe/ )
In a recent study , the nova-Institute has developed several scenarios for the future development of bio-composites. “In favorable conditions, especially injection molding and compression can significantly develop and replace significant amounts of conventional composites. This would save a relevant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, “said Carus. At COMPOSITES EUROPE, the Institute will offer a joint stand on the topic of “bio-based composites” market research in the field of biomaterials, technical and economic evaluation and life cycle assessment, project development and consulting.
Key players at COMPOSITES EUROPE
The top companies in this industry sector are represented. Among the bio-composite exhibitors at COMPOSITES EUROPE so far include the Belgian company Amacell Benelux, NV BASALTEX or Beologic. Also, the Swiss company Bcomp as well as the European Industrial Hemp Association of Hürth, the Dresden Forum Technology and Industry Association or the weaving Güth & Wolf from Gütersloh put their solutions in this area. Added to ISOWOOD from Rudolstadt and Jakob Winter from Nauheim. Shown are mainly materials based on wood and natural fibers, such as flax or hemp. The company Biowert from Brensbach presents materials with meadow grass. It presents natural fiber needle punched nonwovens for molded parts as well as various product solutions from natural fiber press-molded parts such as special cases, or technical foams and insulation materials.
“For the first time bio-based composites highlighted as a special topic together with the nova-Institute,” said Carus. “Many key players from the bio-based industry have been for 7 – posted October 9. Other companies are welcome to register by the end of July. In addition to companies from the WPC and NFC also companies from the field of bio-based thermosets and thermoplastics are addressed, their polymers are suitable for composite materials. “ www.composites-europe.com
Source: Composites Europe