Fraunhofer's PLA composite could be an eco-friendly alternative to carbon fiber

While bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) thermoplastics are relatively eco-friendly and easy to recycle, composite materials such as carbon fiber are much stronger,media report.

Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, PLA is made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, cassava and sugarca.

Like other plastics used alone, it does not have the mechanical strength or stiffness exhibited by composite materia.

The fibers and the matrix are actually made of two different types of bioplastics, the former having a higher melting point than the latt.

Fraunhofer claims that PLA composites are stronger and stiffer than the "pure" form of plastic and are reportedly able to "compete with commercially available self-reinforced polypropylene composite.

Once the technology is further developed, the researchers hope that the PLA composite could find applications in fields such as sports, automotive and medic.