We propose to develop low carbon emission, biodegradable green composites from bacteria retted bast fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) (BFPC) for automotive components. PLA is a biodegradable polyester produced from renewable resource, which has become a sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived polymers. The composites fabricated from bast fiber and PLA will be 100% biodegradable. The proposed bacteria retting is a simple green process using bacteria as an agent, from which no chemical and high energy equipment are needed. From the bacteria retting process, stem length bast fibers are obtained, which can be incorporated into continuous fiber weaving process for fibric mat. In Phase I of this project, Z&S Tech will partner with UNT to optimize our innovative fast bacteria retting technique to obtain strong bast fiber from hemp, from which a 100% biodegradable composites will be fabricated with the PLA polymer. Our first target (Phase I) is to fabricate the secondary interior auto parts, such as instrumental panels, interior compartment. Through the successful completion of Phase I, we will further develop the bast fiber-PLA composites to improve its durability performance so that it can be used as exterior components, such as door and bumper panels. The specific tasks of this project are: (1) Optimization of the bacteria retting process with the Pectinolytic bacteria initiated from the pectin. (2) Composites fabrication and testing: The optimal process parameter for the bateria retted natural fiber PLA (BFPC) will be obtained to reach the goal of > 45 GPa modulus for the retted fiber and > 6 GPa for the resulted BFPC. The composites will be tested in bending, tension, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, and durability as compared with that of the fiber glass composite materials. (3) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): The LCA will be carried out to evaluate the environmental benefits of the proposed bacteria retting technique comparing with other retting methods.
