A feasibility study into the formulation and manufacture of rapeseed meal biocomposites

Abstract

This report summarises the findings from a three-month feasibility study concerned with the formulation and potential use of rapeseed meal in biocomposite manufacture. A primary objective was to establish the effectiveness of rapeseed meal as a matrix or binder phase and in particular, as an alternative to soyabean, which is currently exploited for this purpose in the United States.

The strategy used to chemically modify and formulate rapeseed meal composites is discussed, and includes use of various additives of naturally occurring and synthetic origin. Mechanical properties of mouldings produced from these formulations are presented, which under optimum circumstances compare favourably or outperform reported results for commercially available composite board structures.