Strategic nanoparticle reinforcement of natural fibers for polymeric composites
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsAmy Ellen Langhorst, Deborah Frances Mielewski, Alper Kiziltas
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Abstract
A composite material is provided that includes a polymer matrix and fiber reinforcements within the polymer matrix, the fiber reinforcements including natural fibers having nanoparticles accumulated within a structure of the natural fibers. A method of forming the composite material is also provided that includes accumulating nanoparticles into the structure of the natural fibers to create accumulated natural fibers, drying the accumulated natural fibers, and mixing the accumulated natural fibers within the polymer matrix.
Claims14
A composite material formed by a method comprising:
- growing plants in an aqueous solution comprising nanoparticles such that at least a portion of the nanoparticles are accumulated into a structure of natural fibers within the plants to create accumulated natural fibers;
- removing the plants from the aqueous solution;
- drying the plants such that the accumulated natural fibers are dried;
- and
- mixing the accumulated natural fibers within a polymer matrix,
- wherein the accumulated natural fibers form fiber reinforcements within the polymer matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.