Chapter 9
Natural Fiber Welding
Luke M. Haverhals, David P. Durkin and Paul C. Trulove
Abstract Ionic liquid-based (IL-based) manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the materials industry and disrupt overdependence on petroleum-based plastics. Nature provides amazing materials at large scale; however, scalable techniques
to mold and shape biomaterials have not existed at scale. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc.
(NFW) has developed commercially viable processes and patent-protected materials
that are scalable to meet modern challenges while reducing pollution and emissions. This chapter discusses a number of demonstrations that are being scaled for
global markets as well as reviews several examples of new functionalities that can be
achieved. Practical applications that create composites from waste textiles and new
indigo dye processes are discussed. Examples of “exotic” materials that perform
catalytic waste-water treatment and wearable energy storage are also reviewed. In
all cases, NFW is able to make natural materials, such as cotton and silk, perform
in new and unexpected ways. Prospects for scaling commercial applications are also
discussed. With economically viable methods to reclaim, recycle, and reuse IL-based
solvents, the future looks extremely bright. In the near future, industry-relevant complex natural composites will be produced at cost points that compete with incumbent
synthetic plastics. This new way of manufacturing has significant potential to reduce
emissions, eliminate pollution, and bring new circularity into, for example, the textile
industry.
Keywords Biodegradable · Biomass · Cotton · Natural composites · Sustainability
9.1 Introduction
Ionic liquid-based solvents offer revolutionary opportunities to design and manufacture high-performance composites. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), located
in Peoria, IL, USA, is developing an extremely flexible and powerful fabrication
L. M. Haverhals (B)
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., Peoria, IL, USA
e-mail: luke.haverhals@naturalfiberwelding.com
D. P. Durkin · P. C. Trulove
Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, USA
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
M. B. Shiflett (ed.), Commercial Applications of Ionic Liquids, Green Chemistry
and Sustainable Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35245-5_9
211
Natural Fiber Welding
Luke M. Haverhals, David P. Durkin and Paul C. Trulove
Abstract Ionic liquid-based (IL-based) manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the materials industry and disrupt overdependence on petroleum-based plastics. Nature provides amazing materials at large scale; however, scalable techniques
to mold and shape biomaterials have not existed at scale. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc.
(NFW) has developed commercially viable processes and patent-protected materials
that are scalable to meet modern challenges while reducing pollution and emissions. This chapter discusses a number of demonstrations that are being scaled for
global markets as well as reviews several examples of new functionalities that can be
achieved. Practical applications that create composites from waste textiles and new
indigo dye processes are discussed. Examples of “exotic” materials that perform
catalytic waste-water treatment and wearable energy storage are also reviewed. In
all cases, NFW is able to make natural materials, such as cotton and silk, perform
in new and unexpected ways. Prospects for scaling commercial applications are also
discussed. With economically viable methods to reclaim, recycle, and reuse IL-based
solvents, the future looks extremely bright. In the near future, industry-relevant complex natural composites will be produced at cost points that compete with incumbent
synthetic plastics. This new way of manufacturing has significant potential to reduce
emissions, eliminate pollution, and bring new circularity into, for example, the textile
industry.
Keywords Biodegradable · Biomass · Cotton · Natural composites · Sustainability
9.1 Introduction
Ionic liquid-based solvents offer revolutionary opportunities to design and manufacture high-performance composites. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), located
in Peoria, IL, USA, is developing an extremely flexible and powerful fabrication
L. M. Haverhals (B)
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., Peoria, IL, USA
e-mail: luke.haverhals@naturalfiberwelding.com
D. P. Durkin · P. C. Trulove
Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, USA
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
M. B. Shiflett (ed.), Commercial Applications of Ionic Liquids, Green Chemistry
and Sustainable Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35245-5_9
211