SMC/BMC: New bio-based composite successfully used

The fields of application for composite materials were traditionally limited to light transport or sporting goods, but this is no longer the case today. In fact, composites are gaining more and more market share in different sectors. Th is is clearly due to their specific properties, such as their light weight combined with excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, some of their characteristics are limiting their widespread use, and their low eco-sustainability is certainly what will most influence their future use. Th is low eco-sustainability is mainly due to the resins used as a matrix, which are usually thermosetting polymers, and as such are more difficult to reuse and dispose of. Clearly, thermoplastic-matrix composites can be a viable solution to this problem, but the typically high viscosity of thermoplastic polymers is still a major drawback for successful fibre impregnation.