Single-Plant Biocomposite from Ricinus Communis: Preparation, Properties and Environmental Performance

<p>A single-plant biobased composite material was prepared from fibre and matrix constituents produced from the castor plant, <em>ricinus communis</em>. It is shown that the mechanical properties of the castor plant fibres are comparable to those of other bast fibres and that the stiffness and strength characteristics of the castor fibre/polyamide 11 biocomposite compare well with those of other natural fibre composites. By using a biobased thermoplastic matrix material the reliance on non-renewable feedstock sources is reduced and end-of-lifetime recyclability is improved. The analysis of the environmental performance of the new castor plant composite suggests that the biobased material has great potential as a sustainable alternative replacing glass fibre-reinforced plastics. </p>