Title: LCA modelling for natural fibre composites

Authors: Sandra Maria Da Luz; Vitor Magalini Zago De Sousa

Addresses: University of Brasília, Gama Campus, Área Especial de Indústria Projeção A, Brasília-DF, Postal Code: 72.444-240, Brazil ' University of Brasília, Gama Campus, Área Especial de Indústria Projeção A, Brasília-DF, Postal Code: 72.444-240, Brazil

Abstract: The use of bio-based materials as a substitute for synthetic materials has garnered increased attention in previous years, especially their use as natural fibre composites. The main drive for their use is the selection and substitution of conventional materials for sustainable ones. In this context, life cycle assessments (LCAs) can provide a robust analysis for measuring the environmental impacts that occur over the life cycle of a product. Natural fibre composites are materials that can include either natural fibres or biopolymers in their composition. However, the combination of these broad types of materials, including those obtained from non-renewable resources, can make LCA modelling difficult. In this paper, the recent literature involving LCA of natural fibre composites is briefly reviewed, a guide for the composite scientific community is suggested, and the results are applied for this work. This paper reveals that the most difficult phase of life cycle assessments is inventory building related to natural fibres and biopolymers from renewable resources.

Keywords: natural fibre composites; LCA modelling; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAET.2018.088837

International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 2018 Vol.10 No.1/2, pp.166 - 178

Received: 12 Sep 2015
Accepted: 30 Mar 2016

Published online: 20 Dec 2017 *

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