Green Composites

1. Green composites: Towards a sustainable future?

References

2. Designing for composites: Traditional and future views

Abstract

2.1 The advancement of design thinking

2.2 Three principles of development

2.3 An obsolete value system

2.4 The big challenge

2.5 How to think about composite materials

2.6 “High technology is not new”

References

3. Cellulose fiber/nanofiber from natural sources including waste-based sources

Abstract

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The microstructure of plant fibers—kenaf fibers

3.3 The production, structure, and properties of cellulose nanofiber using a grinder

3.4 The production, structure, and properties of cellulose nanofiber using other methods

3.5 The intrinsic mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibers

3.6 Cellulose nanofiber composites

3.7 Future trends

References

4. Natural fiber and hybrid fiber thermoplastic composites: Advancements in lightweighting applications

Abstract

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Natural fibers in composite manufacturing

4.3 Natural fiber reinforced thermoplastics composites

4.4 Developments in the processing of natural fiber reinforced composites

4.5 Thermoplastic hybrid composites

4.6 Advanced natural fiber/hybrid fiber composites in lightweighting applications

4.7 Emerging trend: utilization of waste or recycled fibers in composites

4.8 Environmental benefits of using lightweight composites and future trends

4.9 Future trends

Acknowledgments

References

5. Recycled synthetic polymer fibers in composites

Abstract

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Polymer sourcing, separation, and purification

5.3 Fiber production

5.4 Composite formation

5.5 Applications

5.6 Future trends

5.7 Conclusion

References

6. Clean production

Abstract

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Energy saving in the manufacture and production of composites

6.3 Limiting the environmental impact of processing

6.4 The use of additives

6.5 End-of-life disposal strategies

6.6 Summary

6.7 Future trends

References

7. Green composites for the built environment

Abstract

7.1 Introduction to green construction materials

7.2 Green matrix materials

7.3 Green fibers

7.4 Examples of construction with green composites

7.5 Thermal conductivity of green building insulation materials

7.6 Vapor sorption and desorption for climate control—moisture-buffering

7.7 Photocatalytic coatings for control of VOCs and greenhouse gases

7.8 Social impact of greening the built environment

Acknowledgment

References

Further reading

8. Engineering with people: A participatory needs and feasibility study of a waste-based composite manufacturing project in Sri Lanka

Abstract

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Methodology

8.3 Results

8.4 Final thoughts

Acknowledgments

References

9. Nanotechnology and the Dreamtime knowledge of spinifex grass

Abstract

9.1 Introduction

9.2 The sacred histories of the Georgina River basin

9.3 The colonial and postcolonial history of the Georgina River

9.4 The botany and ecology of spinifex grass

9.5 Uses of spinifex grasses in the classical Aboriginal tradition

9.6 Colonial acculturation of spinifex cladding

9.7 The biomimetic approach to the project—scoping biomaterials

9.8 The properties of Triodia pungens resin

9.9 Renewable resource-based polymers and biocomposites

9.10 Triodia fibers as reinforcement for biocomposite

9.11 Scientific breakthrough—the investigation of spinifex nanofibers

9.12 The challenge of sustainable harvesting

9.13 The role of the Dugalunji Camp in the project