ABSTRACT
Wood and natural fibers have been used in automotive applications for a long time. In 1942, Henry Ford developed the first prototype composite car made from hemp fibers. Wood and natural fibers represent a lightweight, sustainable, and recyclable option for car manufacturers. Policy frameworks such as the US Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations and the EU end-of-life vehicle directive have contributed to increased interest in renewable fibers. In 2012, wood and natural fiber composites had a market share of 15" of the total European composites market, which includes glass, carbon, wood, and natural fibers. This relates to a total production volume of 352,000 t for biocomposites of which 150,000 t are allocated to composites for automotive applications. Wood and natural fiber reinforced composites are processed using various technologies. Extrusion is used for profiles and sheets. Injection molding or compression molding is used for more complex, three-dimensionally shaped parts, and flat-pressing or calendering for films and sheets.
