March 16, 2021
Thursday, March 18th, 11 a.m. to Noon
Presented by Dr. Anil N. Netravali, Jean and Douglas McLean Professor of Fiber Science, Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Cornell University https://wsu.zoom.us/j/95414310072
Light weight fiber reinforced composites have replaced metals in many applications from automobile parts to satellites and from windmill blades to sporting goods. Most of these composites are made using fibers and resins that are derived from petroleum. Since they tend to be non-degradable, non-recyclable and non-reusable, most of them end up in landfills at the end of their life. Green composites made from plant-based fibers and resins on the other hand are fully sustainable and compostable. Since the beginning of the research on green composites that started only 25-30 years ago, a significant progress has been made. Natural fiber reinforced green composites now can be found in many applications from automobile parts to housing and from furn