Biopolymer Composite Materials in Oil and Gas Sector

Abstract

In the oil and gas industry, the demand for alternative materials is rising due to corrosion and the desire to reduce costs through weight reduction. Polymer composites are gaining attention for their corrosion resistance, favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness. The biopolymer composite is projected to have an output worth $4.95 billion between 2021 and 2025 and growth at a 5.38% compound annual growth rate. This review focuses on exploring the potential of natural fibres as reinforcement for biofibre polymer composite pipes in oil and gas, highlighting their ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and cost-efficiency. The paper assesses biopolymer composite pipes’ development, challenges, and applications, particularly those using continuous basalt and banana fibres. While basalt fibre has found field applications, banana fibre-reinforced polymer composites are still in the early research stages. Despite significant oil and gas industry players already endorsing polymer composites, further research is needed for biopolymer composites to address challenges like compatibility, environmental impact, standardisation, long-term durability, production processes, and regulatory acceptance. Advancing biocomposite research and exploring new research opportunities are essential for engineering advancements and advanced materials.

Eco-Efficiency Performance for Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Carbon/Glass/Flax Fibre-Reinforced Hybrid Composites

“…Usually, most (up to 90%) FRP waste will end up in a landfill as this is deemed to be the economically viable option. There are mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling processes although the mechanical crushing of FRPs currently seems to be the only viable option for industrial applications [28]. However, the advantage of the use of flax fibre in this situation is that it is biodegradable, and thus improves the overall recyclability of the composite as it decomposes naturally over time, reducing the amount of non-degradable material (such as carbon and glass fibres) that would otherwise have remained in the environment [29].…”