Integration of Naturally Occurring Materials in Lightweight Aerostructures

Over the past few years the development of high-performance composites made from natural resources has been increasing worldwide due to environmental and sustainability concerns. The natural constituents can be used as reinforcing elements (normally in the form of fibres), biopolymers, or both. This chapter reviews the opportunities and challenges arising from the application of selected natural fibres in lightweight composites for the aerospace industry, as well as the potential of using cork based products as an alternative material to synthetic foams in sandwich structures. As an example of the many benefits of natural materials to the construction of lightweight structures, the chapter focuses on the use of composites with cork. Cork is a natural, renewable, sustainable material extracted from the bark of the oak, which is periodically harvested from the tree, usually every 9-12 years.