Student name_Student number

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment, Oxford Brookes University.

A Life Cycle Analysis of Natural Fiber, with

a Focus on End of Life Options
Introduction

LCA scope
Material
Production
Travel
Use
End of Life
Recycle

Combustion

Disposal

Results (Results for Flax alone are shown as they are

similar to Kenaf)

Flax End-of-Life scenarios Energy Regain

Kenaf plant

1.8
End of Life Options 30%
1.6

Flax plant
Eco Audit findings
for natural fiber
composites:
- natural fiber
can be
incinerated to
regain energy.
- reduced weight
leads to greater
fuel efficiency.
- Manufacture
has slightly less
impact with
natural fiber.

Method:
Firstly an Eco Audit was used to compared the environmental benefits
of Flax and Kenaf fiber composites with glass fiber composite using
CES Edupack software. Secondly analysis was made of the
environmental impact of thermal decomposition methods for the end of
life Flax and Kenai fiber when used to reinforce polypropylene.

Limitations:
The proportion of polymer to fiber within a composite has a greater
impact on the environment than anticipated the potential to recycle the
polymer. With the fiber ratio being lower for glass fiber then the natural
fibers it is suggested that in future research a study using the
equivalent strength composites should be carried out.

Energy Regain (MJ)

1.4
End of Life Options 40%

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0

Combust
Pyrolysis / Pyrolysis /
and Recycle Gasification Gasification
and Recycle
and
Downcycle

Fully
Combust

Pyrolysis /
Gasification

Flax End-of-Life scenarios CO2 emissions

0.11
0.09
CO2 Emisions (kg)

The pressure for more environmentally

sustainable vehicles has encouraged the
use of natural fiber reinforced plastics for
automotive components. Natural fibre
composites act as alternatives to synthetic
fiber composites, such as carbon fiber,
which are notoriously difficult to waste
manage. One of the potential benefits of
natural fibers over synthetic fibers is the
ability to regain energy from the thermal
decomposition of fibers at the end of life.
Having carried out an initial eco audit to
support existing eco benefits, this study
explored the options for the end of life of
two natural fibers i.e. Flax and Kenaf, when
used to reinforce the thermoplastic polymer
polypropylene. The aim was to identify the
most environmentally beneficial method of
disposal.

0.07

End of Life Options 30%

End of Life Options 40%

0.05
0.03
0.01
-0.01
-0.03
-0.05
-0.07
Combust Pyrolysis / Pyrolysis /
Fully
Pyrolysis /
and Recycle Gasification Gasification Combust Gasification
and Recycle
and
Downcycle

Summary of Findings
Preferred EOL
Scenario.
Recycle Polypropylene using a
controlled process.
Energy Recovery through thermal
decomposition of natural fibers, using
incineration Gasification or Pyrolysis
processes to minimise CO2 .

Key References:
Joshi, S.V., Drzal, L.T., Modanty, A.K., Arora, S, (2003), Are natural fiber
composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites?:
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, p372 -376

The initial Eco Audit supported previous research (Joshi et al,

2003) into the benefits of natural fiber composites when
compared to glass fiber in their life cycle up until the point of
disposal. The End of Life analysis concluded that the preferred
end of life option, for the natural fiber composites selected, was to
use a two stage process. Firstly to heat the composite to
separate the fiber from the polymer. The polypropylene is then
recycled using a controlled process to maintain its quality and
properties. Secondly to regain energy and limit CO2 emissions by
using a thermal decomposition process such as pyrolysis or
gasification to regain energy from the fiber.

P04706 - December 2015