At present, a key HOFZET research focus is on composite reinforcements with a thermoplastic matrix – or organosheets – which offer reversible deformation and recycling potential in comparison with thermoset composite materials. The weaving loom enables the integration of thermoplastic matrix fibres into hybrid textiles as perfect thermoplastic prepregs. These prepregs can be shaped to a required form and turned into composites using hot pressing technology. This approach enables a reduction of process steps, cycle times and production waste, the company reports. Furthermore, the process is said to allow new design freedom, which enlarges the component spectrum of fibre-reinforced composites.

Construction - In another project, flax-based multi-layer fabrics produced on the special HOFZET weaving system are being employed to reinforce concrete. Textile-reinforced concrete has already proved to be durable, formable in diverse shapes and suitable for lightweight construction and so far has been based on carbon or glass fibres to replace the steel which is conventionally employed.

The flax-based textile is embedded in the given component in layers. Its stiffness is variable, so it can be arranged in a desired shape and could conceivably be cast to create curved contours such as domes and rounded wall elements. “The quality of reinforced concrete made with a flax fabric is higher than that of the reinforced concrete in bridges,” said Jan Binde, a scientist at ZELUBA, a second department of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research based in Braunschweig. “The matrix – that is, the structure – is so dense that harmful substances cannot penetrate the component. This results in a far longer service life of several decades.”

“The natural fibres mesh very well with the building material and we can control how the textile is fixed in the concrete. The textile’s specific surface is variable. A reinforced concrete bridge with a span of 15 metres would be about 35 to 40 centimetres thick, while its flax counterpart would be considerably slimmer at 12 to 16 centimetres. This saves a lot of material.”

Future plans - HOFZET next plans to make various modifications to the advanced weaving system, in order to manufacture special spacer fabrics, for which the Vandewiele Jacquard will also play an integral part.A special feature of the Jacquard is that every warp of the fabric can be controlled individually. This results in an unlimited variety of patterns. By using different patterns, it is also possible to change the structure from one-layer to multilayer fabric in a single process. “We have further ideas for such new materials for both the automotive and construction sectors,” concluded Jana Winkelmann. “Watch this space.”

Along with a number of partners, HOFZET – the Application Center for Wood Fiber Research of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research based in Hannover – has developed new forms of bio-hybrid fibre reinforced composites (bio-HFCs) containing the highest possible bio-based content.

Technical textiles specialist Jana Winkelmann explained that, “Bio-HFCs are already successfully employed in a range of sporting goods, such as racing cycle frames, tennis rackets and skis, where they have a number of advantageous properties,” Also, “In particular, they have a low density, high vibration damping and flexible mechanical characteristics, in addition to the added benefit of containing substantial renewable raw material content.”

“We are developing new and practical combinations of natural and high-performance fibres, such as flax, hemp and viscose with carbon, glass or polyamide in multi-layer fabrics. These have application-oriented properties with the potential to be scaled up for mass production and are targeted at applications in both the automotive and construction sectors.”

One of a kind - The development work is being carried out on a special double-rapier weaving loom and Vandewiele Jacquard attachment at the Open Hybrid Lightweight Campus (OHLF) in Wolfsburg, not far from Volkswagen AG’s parent plant. It serves as a competence and research centre for cost-efficient lightweight engineering and innovative materials and manufacturing technologies developed by Volkswagen and its industrial and institutional partners. The OHLF weaving technology is enabling the Fraunhofer experts to cost-effectively produce materials with complex, application-specific textile structures and integrated functions, in widths of up to 50cm.

Winkelmann said that, “We are producing load path-appropriate combinations of the different reinforcing fibres and additional matrix fibres to produce hybrid textiles which will provide simpler handling and faster processing, as well as flexibility in achieving the desired mechanical properties in the finished product.”