Production and mechanical characterization of biocomposites for automotive industry

The main purpose of this study is to produce a biocomposite material for the automotive sector based on plant based polymers and natural fibers, to compare this with the previously produced petroleum based polymer matrix composites in terms of mechanical properties and to determine how biocomposites can be used in the automotive industry. In addition, it is aimed to examine the interaction of biodegradable, reusable and non-harmful polymers obtained from plants with the rapidly developing field of use in the world and the natural fibers obtained from plants in composite materials. Decreasing natural resources (oil, natural gas, etc.) with the developing technology in the world has pushed scientists, governments and companies to search for new materials. The equivalent in the polymer and polymer matrix or reinforced composite sector was recyclable polymers. Recyclable polymers are divided into two; reusable petroleum-based thermoplastics and plant-based biopolymers. Although the first option is economically advantageous, it is a viable solution in the short term given the increase in health and human population. The second option seems to be a long-term solution in terms of healthy living, recycling and resource constraints since the polymers obtained from plants do not harm human health and can always be produced and grown as plants and used as secondary polymers. On the other hand, in the automotive sector, the search for a new generation of materials continues in terms of shortage of raw materials and recyclability. In addition, some automobile companies carry out R & D studies on the two material options listed above, and offer and implement various recommendations. In Turkey, the use of biopolymers and biocomposite materials for the automotive sector is not yet fully developed. In the world literature, biocomposites are produced with bioliphs (natural fibers) supplemented only with petroleum-based polymer. For example, there are flax reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix composites designed by Mercedes ® for interior and exterior panels or interior and exterior trim parts. In this study, a biodegradable and environmentally friendly biocomposite made of 100% biomaterial has been studied. Polylactic Acid (PLA) was used instead of PP in the natural fiber composite reinforced with petroleum-based polymer in the Mercedes® sample. Jute fiber was also studied as an alternative to flax fiber. Flax / PLA, Jute / PLA composite plates were obtained by hot pressing by using plain PLA in granular form and woven flax and jute fabrics. Flax / PP and Jute / PP composite plates and samples were also obtained for comparison. Samples were cut from these plates for tensile and three-point bending tests by laser cutting method. These samples were tested in a universal tensile device taking care to meet international standards and force-displacement data were obtained. Using the composite theory, all components were individually subjected to tensile testing in order to obtain material properties input to the finite element simulation. The glove compartment was chosen as an exemplary automotive part and finite element simulations were performed based on the material properties and composite theory required for this part. Both the mechanical tests of the composite and the finite element simulations, it is discussed whether 100% plant based composites can be an alternative to petroleum based composites.