This document outlines a manufacturing plan for developing natural fiber composites. It will focus on using lyocell fibers as reinforcement in a thermoplastic matrix such as polypropylene. Lyocell fibers offer properties like low density, high strength and biodegradability. The main challenge is the incompatibility between the hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrix. The plan is to use maleic anhydride to modify polypropylene and improve the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and matrix. Lyocell fibers will be distributed uniformly in a grooved mold and molded along with polypropylene rods to form prepreg layers. These will be combined and compression molded to create a final composite panel.

1. Introduction Manufacturing Plan
Developing Natural Fiber Composites
Manufacturing process
There is an increasing demand from automotive companies for materials
with sound abatement capability as well as reduced weight for fuel
efficiency. The properties of lyocell fibers are
 Competitive mechanical properties
 Biodegradable
Renewable
Natural fibers are currently used as a reinforcement in thermoplastic
resinous matrix. Due to eco-friendly and biodegradable characteristics,
they are considered as strong candidates to replace the conventional
glass and carbon fibers.
Viscose staple Lyocell fibers
Fibrillated Lyocell fibers
Lyocell Filaments
 Lower density
 Reduced energy consumption
Excellent wet strength
< For making uniform distribution of fibers used a mold with grooves >
The main problem of this kinds of composites is the incompatibility between
the hydrophilic natural fibers and the hydrophobic thermoplastic matrices.
So the main focus of our research to improve the interfacial adhesion
between then.
Polypropylene ( PP)
Maleic Anhydride
Extruded PP rods
Twin-screw extruder
Lyocell fibers Grooved Mold
PP rods laid in Mold Hot press machine Two prepregs Final composite panel
PP
MA
Mixing
manually
Melt in
Twin-
extruder
Compression
molding
Mold with grooves Prepreg
Compression molding of two
prepregs
Final composite panel
Combine two prepregs
& compression molding