ADDITIVES | NATURAL FILLERS
They also examined the microscopic distribution of the fibres and clay in the moulded samples using scanning electron microscopy. “The masterbatches held up well, showing no
negative impact on performance compared to traditional biocomposites,” said Gary Chinga Carrasco, Lead Scientist at RISE PFI. The researchers also looked at using recycled
polypropylene (rPP) as an alternative to HDPE. The outcome was just as promising, with the recycled biocomposite blends showing similar performance and dispersion of fillers. Sweden’s Biofiber Tech recently collaborated
The Lignetics Naturfil Wood Flour Concentrate has a lower specific gravity than hemp fibre, glass fibre, or minerals used in plastics Source: Lignetics
used in plastics, making it more than 50% lower in weight than mineral fillers at the same volume. Because the product is sourced from renewable wood waste from sustainably managed forests, it reduces carbon footprint. By volume, it is a cost-neutral alternative to
mineral fillers, said Sheftel. Applications could include WPC decking or other building products using conventional fossil-based plastics, and the company is also seeing interest in the product as a biobased filler for biodegradable plastics. Sheftel said that the company upcycles more than 5.2bn pounds of wood residuals annually, and its long-time presence in wood-waste processing and established supply chain provide strong feedstock availability. The company has 28 facilities in the US and one in Canada that produce wood pellets. Initial production for the concentrate will occur in Athens, WI, and will expand to more locations as demand grows. “If we need production close to a customer, we will consider adding the functionality to another location,” said Sheftel.
Right: Volvo Construction Equipment developed a prototype interior part from FibraQ combined with post-consumer recycled plastic
Wood fibres RISE PFI, a part of the Research Institutes of Sweden, is focused on developing processes and products based on lignocellulosic biomass. Researchers at the group recently tested a method to boost the eco-friendliness and performance of biocomposite products by using masterbatch systems that are concentrated blends of 80% wood fibres/clay in a bio-based HDPE carrier. The blend uses a compatibi- liser (see related article in this issue). The team tested how these new blends per- formed by measuring flow behaviour, heat resist- ance, strength, and water absorption of samples after dilution in an injection moulding process.
14 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2025
www.compoundingworld.com
with Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE) under the MobilityXlab initiative, which is a platform connecting startups and industry leaders to drive innovation in sustainable mobility. This partnership focuses on decarbonising parts in construction equipment leveraging FibraQ, Biofiber Tech’s wood fibre-based biocomposite material made from forest residues. The company said that FibraQ is designed to be mixed with virgin or recycled plastics and is compatible with injection moulding and extrusion. As part of the collaboration, VCE developed a
prototype interior part from FibraQ combined with post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), demonstrat- ing a viable path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The next phase will involve evaluating the material further for its suitability in VCE applica- tions, including aging tests and other performance assessments, to ensure that FibraQ meets the rigorous demands of construction vehicle interiors while delivering on sustainability goals.
Corn stover Indiana, US-based startup FiberX has developed a proprietary process to transform corn stover into microfibres and powders, down to 125 microns in
IMAGE: BIOFIBER TECH
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