Bio-Based structural composite materials for Aerospace applications

Abstract

The growing environmental awareness throughout the world has triggered a shift towards designing environmentally friendly materials from sustainable renewable resources. Natural fibre reinforced composites are already being used for construction and automotive applications and now can play a significant role as secondary structures in the next generation of aircrafts – a necessary driver as per European Union’s Clean Sky initiative. The advantages of using natural fibre composites are environmental gains, reduced energy consumption, light weight, insulation and sound absorption properties and reduction in the dependence on petroleum based materials. Currently, one of the research programs at CSIR is focused on developing composites from natural fibre and phenolic matrices to be used as commercial panels for cabin interior. Efforts are underway to solve the issues related to strength, adhesion between fibre and matrix, moisture and thermal durability besides compliance to meet with airworthiness standards. The latter part of the program will deal with biopolymer matrices which would lead to development of green composites for aerospace applications. The present paper will discuss approaches and methodology used and some preliminary results highlighting the challenges involved.