Composites and Technical Fabrics: The Potential for Flax and Hemp

11 pages, published in Issue 72, 1st quarter 2008   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

Composite materials are found in many everyday products, ranging from aircraft, cars and boats to skis and golf clubs. They consist of a tough fibrous material which is bound with a resin. The result is a structure which is light in weight and strong. Many critical industrial, aerospace and military applications make use of composites because of their durability and their resistance to severe environmental conditions at a reasonable cost.

A high percentage of composites are based on glass fibre, combined with polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy resins. However, the use of natural fibres such as hemp and flax in composites has been growing. Such materials are already being employed as components for the automotive and building industries. Although the amounts involved are small, it is thought that there could be much wider potential for flax and hemp in these applications.

The use of flax and hemp can result in a number of benefits. The fibres are seen as being ?green? in the sense that they constitute a renewable resource and the processing of the fibres is environmentally friendly. Also, the cultivation of flax and hemp is heavily subsidised by the EU. The main drawback of using flax and hemp is that their performance characteristics tend to be inferior to those of the more commonly used synthetic fibres. Consequently, flax and hemp can only be used in a limited range of technical textile applications.

However, extensive research and development (R&D) is being undertaken in some European countries, particularly France, in a bid to widen the market and find profitable end uses for these materials.

Composites and Technical Fabrics: The Potential for Flax and Hemp

Summary

Introduction

Applications and Properties of Flax and Hemp in Technical Textiles

Environmental Benefits of Using Flax and Hemp in Composites and Technical Fabrics

Markets for Composites

Recent Developments in the Supply of Fibres for Use in Composites

Flax and Hemp-Based Composites in the Automotive Industry

Future Prospects

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• Apparel business update, 1st quarter 2008, (1st Quarter 2008)
• Profile of Elmarco: A Pioneer in Machines for Making Nanofibres, (1st quarter 2008)
• The world nonwovens industry: part 3 -- ten smaller producers, 1st quarter 2008, (1st quarter 2008)

Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.