Sustainable Monocoque Materials for Application in E-Scooter Chassis: Mechanical Properties of Highly Biodegradable Polymer Composites

Abstract:

This study investigated the potential of biodegradable polymer composites for e-scooter chassis applications in response to the growing demand for sustainable materials. Four composites were tested: two carbon fiber-based (10H and 4H), one fiberglass-based, and one linen (flax)-based. The mechanical properties evaluated included tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact resistance. The results showed that carbon fiber composites (10H and 4H) demonstrated tensile strengths of 2900 MPa and 2860 MPa, respectively, while the flax composite achieved a tensile strength of 940 MPa. The fiberglass composite exhibited the highest flexural strength at 2200 MPa, followed by the carbon 10H composite at 1690 MPa and the flax composite at 1300 MPa. Impact resistance ranged from 90 kJ/m² for the fiberglass composite to 75 kJ/m² for the flax composite. The modulus of elasticity was highest in the carbon 10H composite at 134 GPa, with the flax composite having the lowest value of 70 GPa. These findings suggest that biodegradable composites, particularly carbon and flax-based materials, could serve as viable alternatives to traditional materials in e-scooter chassis applications. However, further research is required to validate their performance under real-world conditions.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1150)
• Pages: 3-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-PbbC1B
• Online since: June 2025
• Authors: Gabriel Constantinescu, Ana Horovistiz, José Paulo Santos*, Mário Sousa Henriques
• Keywords: Biodegradable Composites, Carbon Fiber, E-Scooter Chassis, Fiberglass, Linen Fiber, Mechanical Properties, Sustainable Monocoque Materials

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