Téllez, F.A., & España, J.M. (2022). Biomaterials for change: Natural fiber composites to support design learning and rural development. Base Diseño e Innovación, 7(7), 145-161. https://doi.org/10.52611/bdi.num7.2022.808
Abstract
One of the major environmental challenges of our time is plastic pollution. Motivated by this global environmental challenge, the authors launched a research program to investigate the development and application of natural fiber composites (NFCs) as potential substitutes for foamed plastics.
In parallel, the authors also established a new research group and a capstone course to engage undergraduate students in this research initiative. Between 2018 and 2021, the authors led a research program that explored the use of wastes from corn crops (Zea mays) and fibers from fique plants (Furcraea andina) for developing new NFCs and their applications and worked with undergraduate students in industrial design to create potential applications for these materials.
As a result of this initiative, the team developed six new NFCs and a collection of nearly a dozen products that applied the new materials. These products were aimed at the three industries that consume the most foamed plastics, that is, construction, packaging, and automotive.
At an experimental level, these new materials have shown beneficial properties for these industries since they are highly resistant to impact, have low thermal conduction, have high acoustic insulation capacity, and are low weight.
The preliminary findings from material testing and market validation show great promise for continuing to develop and scale up the production of these materials and their applications with the ultimate goal of making significant contributions to the social, environmental, and economic welfare of rural communities that produce corn and fique in Colombia and other developing countries.
Keywords: Natural fiber composites, Biomaterials, Biocomposites, Undergraduate research, Furcraea andina, Zea mays
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