THE Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DoST-ITDI) developed an abaca fiber-reinforced composite material, a green composite material made from abaca fiber mixed with the polymeric resin used in producing parts/accessories for different modes of transportation.
The DoST-ITDI utilized vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (Vartm) or resin infusion process, which is an innovative technique in fabricating abaca fiber-reinforced composites into more complex structures for different transport modes such as tricycle roof, fuselage for drones and boat body. The composite materials developed for boat bodies use Vartm-offered lighter, more saltwater decomposition-proof, corrosion-resistant and lower heat conductivity.