Do you know what FRP is?
FRP stands for fiber reinforced plastics, which are resins reinforced with fibers. When glass fibers are used, it is called glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) and when carbon fibers are used, it is called carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Carbon fiber has a strength-to-weight ratio ten times greater than steel and is used to reduce vehicle weight. However, producing carbon fiber requires a significant amount of energy, which makes offsetting carbon challenging.
That is why we turned our attention to the flax, an exceptionally durable plant also known as linen, which is used for clothing and bedding. The reasons flax fiber is used as a reinforced fiber is that:
- It offers top-level durability among plant fibers, approximately twice that of kenaf fiber.
- It is a plant-derived material that absorbs CO2, resulting in CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle that are less than one-tenth of CFRP.
- It leaves almost no residue (ash) when incinerated.
Research and practical applications of natural fiber composites are advancing in Europe, with increasing adoption in the automotive industry (such as BMW and Peugeot).
Starlite created a prototype car roof using natural fiber reinforced plastics made from the flax fiber. The unique color and weave pattern of the flax fiber create a traditional Japanese aesthetic.
