Many speakers at the FSK symposium (October 05.-07.) have been pointed out in their lectures the various potential of polyurethane applications in the automobile construction currently and in the future. Also Volker Welsch, head of development at Sonderhoff Chemicals, in his paper „What are the potentials of natural fibre reinforced polyurethane?“ presented a newly developed product made of natural fibre reinforced polyurethane (PUR/NF) of which 67% are regenerative raw materials with a share of 40% flax fibre. 

The potential of natural fibres for light constructions result from a comparably low density. Flax fibres have, for instance, a density of approximately 1,45g/cm3 and are therefore 37% lighter than fibreglass whose density lies at approx. 2,3g/cm3. Another plus factor of natural fibres is that when they break no sharp edges occur as it is the case with fibreglass and particularly with carbon fibres. This is primarily an important factor for the crash performance of cars. In addition the energy costs for the production of natural fibres are significantly lower as for fibreglass. CO2 bound in the fibres leads to a much better CO2 -balance of the natural fibres.

Sonderhoff’s objective was to develop a polyurethane system that is comparable to an epoxy infusion resin with regard to optimal properties and workability. And they also aimed to achieve a high share of regenerative raw materials in the polyol resin component. The result is a low-viscous, hydrophobic system with high mechanical strength. At the FSK symposium Sonderhoff presented a door sample made of (fig.) that has been modelled after the VW Golf V.

First concrete inquiries conclude a great interest of the natural fibre reinforced polyurethane system from Sonderhoff. In cooperation with potential customers Sonderhoff is going to further develop and modify the new product and its application possibilities.