JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #37 - December 2007 - 42

FEATURE “Biocomposites” New applications: PLA-wood fibre composites Bioplastics are developing significantly today. Natural wood (Lignocel) and cellulose (Arbocel) fibres are used for mechanical reinforcement, economic improvement, better processability, and as a solution to raw-material shortage and shelf-life variation. More information STÉPHANE LAURENT, TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER RETTENMAIER FRANCE (JRS) ollowing the presentation “New applications in the woodplastics composites sector: the French example” by the author at the Biocomposites Forum of the JEC Composites Show 2007, new developments, applications and products are now available. Apollor and Rettenmaier have been partnering to develop starch-wood fibre composites (Figure 1). Rettenmaier is also working with FuturaMat to propose a PLA-wood fibre compound, and carrying out joint research with the Ecole des Mines de Douai on injection moulding of PLA-cellulose fibre composites. The JRS Company (J. Rettenmaier & Söhne) is a producer of wood, cellulose and food fibres. For many years, it has developed applications for global industries as varied as pharmacy, industrial filtration, food, vegetable litters, road construction, chemical construction and, of course, plastics. JRS offers industrialists a broad range of wood (Lignocel®) and cellulose fibres (Arbocel®) (Figure1), distinguishing itself by the high and consistent quality of its products, their reproducibility and their diversity adapted to varied applications. These fibres result from either softwood (conifers) or hardwood (leafy trees). The range offers various particle sizes and water contents (lower than 2% for certain products). With a wood-fibre reinforcement, the Young’s modulus of the mix containing 40% wood fibres is multiplied by 6.5 (Figure 2). Wood compound Young’s modulus [MPa] Fig.I: Wood and cellulose fibres at JRS 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Virgin starch Starch + 20% wood Starch + 30% wood Starch + 20% straw Starch + 40% wood Starch-wood fibre composites Apollor is a technological resource centre that specializes in polymer and composite materials. The centre carries on research to industrialize new material, product or process concepts, and one of its objectives is to foster the creation of new activities and support companies in their innovation approach. To this end, Apollor develops new materials, such as composites using natural fibres or biodegradable polymers. The centre can test and research customised formulations meeting the needs of a specific company. In co-operation with Rettenmaier, the centre developed several combinations of starch and wood fibres, preparing three different grades: - 80% starch and 20% wood fibres, - 70% starch and 30% wood fibres, - 60% starch and 40% wood fibres. Fig.2: Wood compound These compounds (starch + wood fibres) remain 100% compostable and are derived from natural resources. Multiple applications are possible: replacing existing products, developing new “green” product lines, or expanding existing product lines. JEC Composites Magazine / No37 December 2007

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #37 - December 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #37 - December 2007