Development of multifunctional and sustainable hybrid composites reinforced with asphaltene-based carbon fibers and natural fibers

The project will develop a multifunctional and sustainable hybrid thermoplastic composite reinforced with asphaltene-based short carbon fibres (CF) and continuous natural fibres. The fibre-matrix interface of the hybrid material will be characterized through tensile and fracture toughness tests and its multifunctionality in terms of enhanced electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding will also be investigated.

The proposed research will partner with BC Research Inc. (BCRI) and explore the industrial application of lower-cost short CF derived from Alberta Oilsands Asphaltenes. Through this project, BCRI aims to investigate the use of asphaltene-based short CF to enhance fibre-matrix interface in composites and potentially as sensors for damage monitoring owing to its electrical properties.

The research is anticipated to bring social benefits for BCRI by providing support to the technological advancement of asphaltene-based short CF to its clients by conceptualizing a hybrid composite material. Economically, the project utilizes lower-cost bitumen-derived short CF and aims to create a composite material with improved mechanical and electrical properties that can be used for real world applications in the future.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yasmine Abdin

Student:

Partner:

BC Research Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: