(625a) Natural Fiber Composites Using Seed Hulls from Grain Processing
AIChE Annual Meeting
2021
2021 Annual Meeting
Forest and Plant Bioproducts Division
Value-Added Uses of Industrial Coproducts and Natural Fibres in Sustainable Uses
Friday, November 19, 2021 - 12:30pm to 12:50pm
In our studies funded by United Soybean Board (USB), our team at University of Louisville utilized soy hulls to separate and modify hull fibers for natural fiber composites; while simultaneously producing xylose (natural sugar) as a value added product. This approach not only reduced the cost of fibers; but also produced fibers that are more compatible with polymers which helped reduce air traps occurring at fiber-polymer interface leading to improved material properties of natural fiber composites. Using our integrated approach, with xylose (market value $3/kg) as a co-product, we expect the production cost of natural fiber composites to be competitive. Wide use of low cost, light weight, and high performing natural fiber composites in 3-D printing and injection molded automotive products can improve fuel efficiency and emission standards among the US automotive vehicles.