The aim of this lab course is to give students a practical overview on the key steps to preparing bio-based composites and to highlight the importance of the relationships existing between the condition of processing and the final mechanical properties of the obtained materials.
The participants have the opportunity to experience the preparation of bio-based composites made of biodegradable polymer matrices and natural fibres, using different techniques such as twin-screw extrusion or thermopressing.
A number of mechanical testing techniques and characterisation methods are used to assess the properties of the final materials which are analysed in the light of the processing conditions.
This lab-course can be attended by L3 students with a general scientific background.
Prepare bio-based composites using twin screw extrusion and thermopressing
4 hrs lab course
Teachers: Marie Alix Berthet and Julien Bras
In this module, the students have different raw materials such as PLA (Polylactic acid), PBAT (Polybutyrate) and natural fibres
at their disposal.
They experience different conditions of processing of films or pellets using either twin screw extrusion or thermopressing techniques.
Samples are prepared using both techniques with different settings of the key parameters: temperature, screw speed and feeding rates, amount and proportions of raw material, type of drying
and molding…
Use different mechanical testing techniques to assess the features of the composites
4 hrs lab course
Teachers: Marie Alix Berthet and Julien Bras
In this part, the samples prepared during the first step of this lab-course are tested for mechanical properties in order to
assess the impact of the processing conditions on the quality and the thermos-mechanical features of the composites.
Various mechanical tests are carried out such as tensile, bending and compression tests as well as other techniques enabling the assessment of the thermal properties of the materials, such as
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA).
Marie Alix Berthet
LGP2
Julien Bras
LGP2
This lab-course is hosted in the premises of the Laboratory for Pulp and Paper Sciences (LGP2) located at 461 rue de la papeterie on the campus