The objective of this project is to use a structured hypothesis-validation approach to identify and mitigate multiple knowledge gaps in technology transition of the natural fiber reinforced composites, including value proposition; customer/user-case; demand creation; channel development; revenue model; partnership strategy; and resource development. Scientific advances for this research include 1) the systematic study of processing structural- property relationship of high performance natural fiber reinforced composites; 2) the transformative investigation of high performance natural fiber composites processing mechanism in production scale for structural applications. The combination of forefront material synthesis methods with advanced characterization and testing technology could provide a foundation for both understanding and processing of natural fiber reinforced composites with excellent mechanical and structural properties.
The new class of natural fiber reinforced composites with robust mechanical properties could play a significant role in addressing current energy and sustainability challenges. With excellent mechanical properties, these bio-based composites could provide a sustainable solution to replace chemically treated wood and petroleum based (fiberglass) composites in many applications, such as civil infrastructure constructions; building panels and automobile parts. If successful, this program may result in technology transition of natural fiber reinforced composites, and increase economic and workforce development in the nation.
This NSF I-Corps team project has developed and implemented a commercialization plan for high performance natural fiber reinforced composites. The PI and her research team have filled multiple knowledge gaps in technology transition of the natural fiber reinforced composites, including value proposition; customer/user-case; demand creation; channel development; revenue model; partnership strategy; and resource development. The scientific contributions of this program included 1) conducted a systematic study of processing-structural-property relationship of high performance natural fiber reinforced composites; 2) developed cost-effective manufacturing methods for large scale production of high performance natural fiber composites. High strength and low density natural fiber composites are suitable for structural applications in multiple industry applications, such as energy efficient vehicles, sustainable building materials, resilient infrastructures with high damage tolerance, and lightweight sport goods etc. The global market for natural fiber composites is estimated to reach $3.8 billion in 2016 as a result of ever increasing environmental and energy concerns coupled with the rising price of synthetic fibers and metal alloys. This program has enabled cost-effective high performance nature fiber composites with adequate mechanical properties for structural applications in construction industry. To commercialize this technology, the PI and her business partner have incorporated an advanced materials company "CetoTech Inc" in 2013, and the corporation has won 2014 NSF SBIR phase I award. The corporation has developed a feasible business development strategy to bring the technology to market applications. As results, CetoTech Inc. was selected as the top 10 finalists from 120 high-tech companies at 2013 North Carolina IDEAS (NC IDEAS) business competition; and the finalist for 2014 Charlotte Venture Challenge. In addition, this program has provided training opportunities for the PI and three graduate students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) to develop skillset in technology transfer. These skills could help the researchers commercializing their future inventions. The research results have been disseminated to scientific communities through two peer-reviewed publications and one international conference presentation. The research team has also disseminated their I-Corps experience and "Lean LaunchPad method" to local and regional business community through multiple business venues, including NC IDEAS business competition, Charlotte Ventureprise seminar, and Charlotte Venture Challenge etc.
