ST5 – Composite and bio-based materials

A composite material is an assembly of at least two immiscible materials (but with strong adhesion capacity). It has properties that the constituent elements alone do not have. the composite material is made up of a framework called reinforcement which ensures the mechanical strength of the composite material. The reinforcement allows composite materials to have isotropic, anisotropic or orthotropic properties and a matrix: material made of polymer (Thermosetting or Thermoplastic), metal or ceramic. There are today a large number of composite materials which are generally classified into three families depending on the nature of the matrix: composites with organic matrices (CMO) which constitute, by far, the largest volumes today now on an industrial scale; ceramic matrix composites (CMC) reserved for very high-tech applications and working at high temperatures such as space, nuclear power as well as braking (carbon brakes) and metal matrix composites (CMM).

Although there are different kinds of composite materials (such as Betton, plywood, etc.), this term applies more particularly to plastic parts made up of a polymer matrix, a fibrous type reinforcing element and/or or fillers and additives.

Biosourced materials are materials derived from renewable organic matter, of plant or animal origin: wood, hemp, straw, cellulose wadding, recycled textiles, cereal husks, miscanthus, cork, linen, thatch, grass, etc. They now cover a wide range of products and find multiple applications in the field of building and construction. They can be used as structures, insulators, mortars and concretes, plastic composite materials or even in paint or glues (building chemistry). Biosourced material refers to a material entirely or partially made from materials of “biological” origin. It includes a portion of animal or plant biomass in its composition.

In a context of sustainable development and the bioeconomy, designing and manufacturing composite structural parts with low environmental impact as an alternative to plastics from the petrochemical industry is crucial. The challenge is to develop these composites resulting from the valorization of bioresources as products with high added value for markets such as transport, where the specifications are demanding in terms of mechanical, thermal, anti-fire properties, and durability. , without investing in new means of production.

Abstract submission

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