The interface between the matrix and reinforcing phases can have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the resulting composite material. The interface can be studied by a number of surface analysis techniques and the interaction modelled. Such studies, and such modelling, can help understanding of the mechanisms which composites undergo during their lifetime. The current review discusses the role of the interface and the methods by which it can be studied; two case studies are presented which illustrate these methods and the value that such knowledge of the interface has brought to larger investigations

Composite materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxies, provide more efficient structures than conventional materials through light-weighting, but the associated high energy demand during production can be extremely detrimental to the environment. Biocomposites are an emerging material class with the potential to reduce a product’s through-life environmental impact relative to wholly synthetic composites. As with most materials, there are challenges and opportunities with the adoption of biocomposites at the each stage of the life cycle. Life Cycle Engineering is a readily available tool enabling the qualification of a product’s performance, and environmental and financial impact, which can be incorporated in the conceptual development phase. Designers and engineers are beginning to actively include the environment in their workflow, allowing them to play a significant role in future sustainability strategies. This review will introduce Life Cycle Engineering and outline how the concept can offer support in the Design for the Environment, followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of biocomposites throughout their life cycle.

Organic-inorganic hybrid nano-particles, derived from silica precursors with different organic functionalities (methyl, ethyl, vinyl and phenyl) synthesized via a modified Stöber method have been investigated. These particles are intended as modifiers for polymers and polymer matrix composites.Therefore the characteristics of a polyester matrix have also been determined and the likely interactions with the particles have been proposed. Particles have been characterized using inverse gas chromatography (IGC), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR).The particles show two different sets of characteristics, with methyl, ethyl, and vinyl modified silicas showing one type of behavior and the phenyl modified silica behaving rather differently. The methyl, ethyl and vinyl groups exhibit the appearance of uniform coverage, as they are comparatively small and tightly packed, which will prevent interaction of matrix resin with retained silanol groups. The phenyl group, which is comparatively large, is not able to pack as closely, which results in a reduction of the presence and availability of silanol groups, compared to an unmodified fumed silica, but not complete inaccessibility as far as the matrix resin is concerned.

Innovation is critical to business. Sustainability is a global challenge requiring innovation. Many organizations have publicly committed to innovate towards environmental, social and economic sustainability, but a behaviour gap remains. In order to promote the effectiveness of these endeavours, there is a pressing need to understand the conditions for successful innovation towards sustainability, backed by empirical evidence. This paper complements prior work by developing a definition of sustainability-oriented innovation (building upon definitions of eco-innovation), and by discussing observations of this activity in practice. The paper presents an account of sustainability-oriented innovation at Interface, a global manufacturing company with radical sustainability goals. It expounds the contexts in which these innovations arose, focusing in particular on Net-Works, a radical, socially-minded fishing-net recycling programme. It was found that several unique factors contributed to success: adopting an existing route to market, partnering with an NGO, and learning from mistakes in a “safe failure space”

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