Enzymatic treatment of flax for high-quality composites

During recent years, there has been a renewed interest for natural fibers such as flax, hemp and bamboo. Plant fibers possess good mechanical properties due to their high content of crystalline cellulose. Unlike glass fibers, natural fibers are biodegradable and have a positive impact on CO2 emissions. Furthermore, natural fibers are non-abrasive, widely available and exhibit a low density. In this context, natural fibers show an interesting and eco-friendly alternative for glass fibers for use in composite applications. To obtain fine and clean fibers, the fiber must be extracted from the plant. Because of the many drawbacks of conventional extraction procedures, i.e. the resulting variability in quality of the fibers and fiber damage, this doctoral research focusses on the development of an enzymatic extraction procedure for the production of high quality natural fibers. Both the sustainability of the processing techniques of natural fibers (high efficiency and environmentally friendly process) as well as the sustainability of natural fibers (biorenewable and good mechanical strength) must be taken into account. In this context, it is essential to study the effect of various enzymes on the chemical, morphological, mechanical and physical properties of natural fibers in order to develop suitable enzyme mixtures to generate high quality fibers.

Publication year:2020

Accessibility:Open