A team of researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), have developed an advanced Eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite and method for its preparation.
A team of researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), have developed an advanced Eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite and method for its preparation.
Biocomposites (natural fiber composites) from local and renewable resources offer significant sustainability; industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, and green chemistry are guiding the development of the next generation of materials, products, and processes. Considerable growth has been seen in the use of biocomposites in the domestic sector, building materials, aerospace industry, circuit boards, and automotive applications over the past decade, but application in other sectors until now has been limited. Nevertheless, with suitable development, the potential exists for biocomposites to enter new markets and thus stimulate an increase in demand.
Most polymer composites commonly used in automotive or construction industries employ glass fiber as a reinforcement material. However, they cause many problems in terms of energy and environment because the glass fiber is harmful to the human body and unsuited to recycling. Recently, biocomposites using natural fiber as reinforcement material are studied to reduce the use of harmful glass fiber. Being lighter than glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites by 30% or more, biocomposites are cutting-edge new material that can lead to energy saving through improved fuel efficiency (1.6%) when used for automotive parts. Further, since the natural fiber is lighter and wears machinery less as compared to the glass fiber, it can reduce energy consumption by 80% during the production. Also, the cost of the natural fiber (about 5 won/g) is only about ¼ that of the glass fiber (20 won/g). In addition, the natural fiber is lighter (density: 1.3 g/cm3) than the glass fiber (density: 2.6 g/cm3), while having superior toughness and specific modulus.
This advanced KIER technology offers an exciting advancement in biocomposites material, which is both eco-friendly and incombustible. What’s more, the biocomposite is eco-friendly since the natural fiber is used as a reinforcement material and is incombustible since it is laminated integrally with the ceramic sheet. Further, it has a superior storage modulus, dimensional stability and flexural properties and light weightness, and is processable into various structures. Thus, it is very useful for automotive or building indoor/outdoor materials.
This technology is directed to providing a biocomposite having superior eco-friendliness, storage modulus and dimensional stability as well as enhanced heat resistance and flame retardancy. The present disclosure is also directed to providing a method for preparing the eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite. This advanced invention offers an alternative to common employ glass fiber composites, which have both harmful environmental and human implications, while still being economically viable.
Research is currently active on the following patented technology – “Eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite and method for preparing the same”, which is patented the United States of America and Europe.
Intellectual property status
Granted Patent
Patent number : 8,658,276
Where : US
Intellectual property status
Granted Patent
Patent number : 2380731
Where : EP
Current development status
Commercially available technologies
Desired business relationship
Technology selling
Patent licensing
Joint ventures
Technology development
New technology applications
Adaptation of technology to other markets
Since the founding in 1977, the KIER has had focused on energy technology R&D which is closely related with our living standards and national security while overcoming the challenges we have faced as a resource poor country.
KIER's R&D areas include improving efficiency and securing environment-friendly way in use of limited conventional energy resources such as oil, coal as well as natural gas and exploring new energy sources such as solar, wind and water as well as its commercialization.
The KIER also strives towards technology transfer which can be reflected in successful commercialization of our remarkable R&D outcomes by means of industrialization of excellent intellectual property rights, enlarging its R&D activity in bottleneck technology based on small and medium sized enterprises, and communicating actively with markets through "1 researcher to 1 enterprise" technique guidance.
enlarging its R&D activity in bottleneck technology based on small and medium sized enterprises, and communicating actively with markets through "1 researcher to 1 enterprise" technique guidance.
Energy has had a significant influence not only on living standards in a society, but also upon national competitiveness and security. Therefore, the KIER will do its best in developing energy technology for future generations.
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