Title: Aesthetic composites based on natural fibres: NaBasCo

Authors: Willem O.J. Bottger, Mark Lepelaar, Roderick Bouvy

Addresses: NPSP Composieten B.V., Kuppersweg 31, 2031 EA Haarlem, The Netherlands. ' NPSP Composieten B.V., Kuppersweg 31, 2031 EA Haarlem, The Netherlands. ' NPSP Composieten B.V., Kuppersweg 31, 2031 EA Haarlem, The Netherlands

Abstract: NPSP Composieten, manufacturer of products made out of Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP), developed an aesthetic natural fibre reinforced composite material called NaBasCo – Nature Based Composites. Industrial designers and architects are very interested in the material, which combines environmental advantages with new visual possibilities. A high-end marketing approach has been developed to overcome the problem that natural fibres are being considered as a low cost alternative to glass fibres. Technical problems with exhaust of styrene, strength, gas bells in the material, were all tackled. The material has undergone testing on durability under heavy weather conditions and is ready for demonstration.

Keywords: natural fibres; fibre reinforced composites; biocomposites; thermoset; product design; marketing; industrial design; aesthetics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027815

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.3 - 10

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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