Green materials High performance sustainability with bio-based epichlorohydrin 3D Printing Will composites be competitive with metals in 3D printing? MANUFACTURING Biocomposite Processing a long bamboo fibre/ bio-based matrix biocomposite 19 22 24 biocomposite MANUFACTURING Processing a long bamboo fibre/bio-based matrix biocomposite Assystem, in partnership with Cirimat, developed an innovative biocomposite material that meets the most stringent environmental requirements as it is bio-based and recyclable. This material can be proposed as an alternative solution to glass/phenolic materials. PhiliPPe Ponteins Head of Materials & Processes Geoffrey haddou PhD Materials Research Engineer Assystem France T hanks to the latest advances in polymer chemistry and the development of high-performance fibres such as carbon, composites can now be used in new aeronautical applications. In addition to performance requirements that aim at lightening the structures, composite materials have to meet the environmental requirements imposed by the REACH regulation for 10 years. It is therefore urgent to develop new composite materials that are more environmentally friendly. Biocomposites combining fibres of vegetable origin and bio-based thermoplastic resins (reversible transformation, so that they are recyclable) are alternative solutions to current composites for unloaded structures. The REACH regulation To anticipate short-term obsolescence issues for a number of phenol and formaldehyde molecules due to the REACH regulation, Assystem launched an R&D project in 2014. The aim was to develop a biocomposite with the lowest possible impact on the environment. The new bio- composite is innovative as no research has been conducted on this fibre/resin association so far. This research work is conducted in collaboration with CIRIMAT (Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et d'Ingénierie des Matériaux-Laboratoire Fig. 1: Assystem Materials Department No108 October 2016 / jec composites magazine 19