2010-Applications and Performances of Biobased Geotextiles

Applications and Performances of Biobased Geotextiles

Hechmi Hamouda, North Carolina State University


Introduction

An alternate to the overwhelming reliance on synthetic fibers to manufacture geotextiles is the sustainable harness of the energy and molecular building blocks of biomass. Replacing components of traditional geotextiles with biobased fibers is no longer a prospective; several applications, where specific levels of durability are required, have been substituting geosynthetics with green products to reduce costs and adverse environmental Impacts.
Most biofibers have relatively limited mechanical properties as dictated by their cellulose contents, however in most applications, the available tensile strength and
dimensional stability have been assessed to be more than adequate for biobased geotextiles to fully perform their intended role and to replace conventional fibers. Several bio-fibers, with established performances, that are readily available in fiber, yarn or fabric form are used as single component, part of a blend, filler or reinforcement to polymeric substrates.
Reviewed few fibers such as flax, hemp and jute, have been playing key roles in various geotextiles applications. Responses of single and blended biofibers in conjunction their tensile, flexural, impact, thermal properties and degradation have been evaluated and will adequately perform in general and specific geotextile utilizations.