Structural weight-saving technologies using natural fibres

Bcomp in conjunction with a partner has developed a range of grid fabrics for automotive composite applications. The Switzerland-based company’s PowerRibs technology is based on the concept of “leaf veins”, which rigidify a surface with minimum weight.

In place of the nervures are “ribs” made with flax fibres to reinforce thin-walled structures, resulting in a “pseudo mini sandwich”, since no core material is involved.

The PowerRibs architecture uses high-quality flax fibres with a unique stiffness-to-weight ratio. The roving twist is optimised for maximum rib stiffness and compression strength, and mesh size and roving thickness can be tailored.

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