The sustainable materials of the future
Fibre composites can tackle almost all types of product requirements at the same time as production is constantly advancing and becoming both smarter and greener.
The benefits of fiber composites
The benefits of fibre composites are many. Stiffness and strength in combination with low weight means that fibre composites are used in, among other things, aircrafts, vehicles, boats, wind turbines, sports equipment, protective equipment, etc. Lightweight construction with composites can reduce the weight and thus the fuel consumption of vehicles with internal combustion engines or increase the range of electric vehicles. Other benefits are increased freedom of design, large components, and more maintenance free products with a reduced risk of corrosion. Future composite materials will to a greater extent be bio-based and designed for several functions simultaneously, such as energy storage in structural components, built-in sensors and shape changes if necessary.
Challenges
Composites today are made from a combination of materials produced from non-renewable resources. In the future they will be replaced with bio-based materials. Recycling is also a challenge that we work with, for all parts of a fibre composite. Composites are often used in combination with other materials. The recycling of these products must also be solved in order to obtain a circular economy.
Some specific properties of fibre composites
Depending on the choice of material, you can design different properties of fiber composite components – they can insulate current or conduct current, insulate for heat or cold and thus perceived as warm compared to metallic materials, which for example can be good for hand tools used in cold climates.
