RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Gas dissolution foaming as a novel approach for the production of lightweight biocomposites of PHB/natural fibre fabrics A1 Ventura, Heura A1 Sorrentino, Luigi A1 Laguna Gutiérrez, Ester A1 Rodríguez Pérez, Miguel Ángel A1 Ardanuy, Mònica K1 Biopolymers K1 Biopolímeros K1 Biocomposites K1 Biocompuestos K1 Natural fibres K1 Fibras naturales K1 Foams K1 Espumas AB The aim of this study is to propose and explore a novel approach for the production of cellular lightweight natural fibre, nonwoven, fabric-reinforced biocomposites by means of gas dissolution foaming from composite precursors of polyhydroxybutyrate-based matrix and flax fabric reinforcement. The main challenge is the development of a regular cellular structure in the polymeric matrix to reach a weight reduction while keeping a good fibre-matrix stress transfer and adhesion. The viability of the process is evaluated through the analysis of the cellular structure and morphology of the composites. The effect of matrix modification, nonwoven treatment, expansion temperature, and expansion pressure on the density and cellular structure of the cellular composites is evaluated. It was found that the nonwoven fabric plays a key role in the formation of a uniform cellular morphology, although limiting the maximum expansion ratio of the composites. Cellular composites with a significant reduction of weight (relative densities in the range 0.4–0.5) were successfully obtained. PB MDPI SN 2073-4360 YR 2018 FD 2018 LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/40979 UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/40979 LA eng NO Polymers, 2018, vol. 10, n. 3. 14 p. NO Producción Científica DS UVaDOC RD 22-nov-2024