The student will after the course have knowledge about biocomposites in which the reinforcement or matrix polymer is based on renewable material. The goal is that student will have fact knowledge of different raw materials used in biocomposites, understand their hierarchical structure, be able to list the most important components, be able to identify different type of fibers, understand differences between fibers and polymers which can be used, be able to list the most important properties and know definitions biopolymers and nanomaterial. The student should be able describe different manufacturing methods and understand how and why biocomposites are uses in different applications. The student should also be able to analyze composites mechanical properties and explain differences between different materials compositions.

The student should have developed understanding of interaction between the fibers and materials polymer, how the addition of fibers is affecting properties in relation to the matrix polymer.

Raw materials: Reinforcement consisting of wood, natural fibers and bionanomaterials, fiber properties and how these materials bare made and their composition. Matrix:  thermoplastics, thermosets, biopolymers, polymer structure, composition, important properties. Composite material: traditional wood composites, new formable wood composites and bionanocomposites.

Processing methods: such as extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, resin injection methods and casting. Testing and properties: mechanical properties moisture stability, thermal stability compatibility, density, weather stability and durability. Applications for biocomposites: such as construction materials, vehicles packaging and in medical

Laboratory where students will manufacture biocomposites using twin-screw extrusion, prepare test samples using injection molding and test the most important properties of the composites.

The course is conducted usually in the form of lectures, 3 assignments which can be made in small groups of two students, and one laboratory is made in larger groups approx. 4 students. The laboratory is about manufacturing of biocomposite or wood composites using a twin-screw extruder and make test samples with injection molding. The goal is that students will get knowledge how the addition of  biofibers is made and how they affect the properties.

The students will help with preparation of raw materials, suggest extrusion parameters and help with the calibration of the processing equipment. Materials properties such as tensile testing, density, viscosity and microstructure (adhesion between fibers and matrix) are studied and the results from different groups are collected to given to all students. The labb-report need to contain description of the laboratory, materials used and test as well as the results. In the course usually an inspiration seminar about biocomposites is included.

The examination will consists -Delivered exercises -Lab report -Oral and poster presentation of the roject -Written exam

Kristiina Oksman

Wood thermoplastic composites, eds. K. Oksman and M. Sain, Woodhead Publisher 2007
Wood Handbook samt literatur som ges ut för studenter vid kursstart.

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Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics

Study guidance for the course is to be found in our learning platform Canvas before the course starts. Students applying for single subject courses get more information in the Welcome letter. You will find the learning platform via My LTU.

The syllabus was established by the Department of Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering 2009-06-16, and remains valid from autumn 2009.

by Head Faculty Programme Director Niklas Lehto 17 Feb 2021