Rapra Technology and Exeter Advanced Technologies are leading two projects that involve more than Ј1.3m of funding

Rapra Technology and Exeter Advanced Technologies are leading two projects that involve more than Ј1.3m of funding

Natural fibres are set to make gains in automotive plastics from two separate projects announced this week that involve more than Ј1.3m (E1.9m) of funding. Rapra Technology is leading a European consortium that is developing a low-temperature extrusion process for producing PP sheet filled with long fibres derived from plants, for subsequent thermoforming.

The consortium has committed E1.3m to the two-year project; this includes E700,000 of EU funding. Rapra will direct the R&D activities in collaboration with Spanish research centre Aimplas. The ExtruCO2 project will develop a low-cost process to make solid sheet reinforced with hemp or kenaf fibres. It will minimise the process’ environmental impact and develop ways to treat the fibres without chemicals. The group estimates a return on funding of about E17.8m is possible within five years.

Natural fibres could also find their way into automotive brake pads, if a Ј400,000 (E590,000) research project by UK firm Exeter Advanced Technologies is successful. The two and a half year Ecopad project will develop sustainable and eco-friendly brake pads. It will focus on developing a plant fibre – jute, hemp, nettle or flax – into a cheaper alternative to aramid, the material that has largely replaced asbestos fibres in brake pads.

Project leader Dr Luke Savage said replacing aramid with hemp would cut production costs by a multiple of at least 15.