Biocomposites and bioblends based on engineering thermoplastics for automotive applications

This paper presents viable solutions concerning the formulati on, processing and performance of biocomposites and bioblends based on engineering thermoplastics fo r application in automotive inleriors. Polyamide (PA6) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-s tyrene (ABS) were formulated to produce biocomposites containing up Io 40 wt.% cellulosicfibers . Bioblends of PA6 and ABS containing up to 30 wt.% polylactide (PLA) were obtained as well. Final/y, different biocomposites were compounded based on PA6 / PLA and ABS / PLA blends containing cellulosic fibers. These biocomposites and bioblends were evaluated in terms of morphology, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as for cos/ and weight reductions. The tensile strength, !ensile modulus, and heat deflection tempera/ure presented al least equivalent values as neat PA6, neat ABS and commercial grades currently used in the fabri cation of automotive interior parts. Furthermore, foamed samples obtained from these biocomposites through injection foaming process presented similor properties as unfoamed and commercial grades while being up Io 10 wt.% lighter, 37 % Jess expensive, and 40 wt.% greener.In press: YesPeer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye