BioFurniture

Traditional composite materials are ubiquitous in contrast natural fibre composites are less well established. The incorporation of natural fibres into a biopolymer matrix produces a biocomposite. Biocomposites offer significant environmental gains such as reduced energy consumption, lighter weight, insulation and sound absorption properties. Biocomposites are however hydrophilic. The project IMPUMFAID (Improving Materials Properties using Modified Flax and Innovative Design) was funded through the EPSRC, EFL ‘Bridging the Gap’ feasibility fund. This interdisciplinary research project involved Bateman. R., as principal investigator and researchers from the Materials Engineering Research Institute and industry partner Netcomposites. IMPUMFAID, sought to improve the hydrophilic shortcomings within a biocomposite material by introducing a novel in-situ fibre modification technology coupled with practice-based design investigation and then apply the optimized material to the production of office storage furniture. Initial trials utilising a mix of 40% flax reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA) in the form of a 530gsm woven fabric and the in-situ fibre modification process failed to yield positive results; however as a result of an extensive iterative design investigation a method of waterproofing the material was developed. Design investigation included controlled laboratory scale testing of material and processing combinations including layering, heating and pressing, vacuum, oven and compression moulding, laser and machine cutting. The resultant material and process developments have been applied to the design of a range of modular, compostable storage cabinets shown in a solo exhibition; BioFurniture, London Design Festival 14th-22nd September 2013, Coexistence, London, http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/market-ready-furniture-made-plant-based-plastics. The research has been further disseminated at IMPUMFAID, Engineering for Life Exhibition June 2012, and trade exhibitions JEC Europe, Paris, 2013 and Composite Engineering, Birmingham, November 2012, and conference presentations 'From Academy to Industry to User: Engaging Stakeholders in Sustainable Material Development',Sustainable Solutions: Engaging in Multidisciplinary Research and Practice. www.biofurniture.weebly.com