The document generally relates to a method and system for processing biomass. More particularly the document relates to a method and system for processing biomass for its use in manufacture of reinforced thermoplastics composite.

BACKGROUND

Reinforced thermoplastics are finding application in a number of fields. Generally reinforced thermoplastic composites are made by adding artificial fibres such as glass fibres to plastic polymers. Use of such artificial fibres is expensive and causes environmental pollution.

Biomass such as wood and wood waste, agricultural waste such as wheat straw, peanut shell, rice husk, olive residue etc natural fibers such as jute, hemp, kenaf, sisal, flax, coir etc, and organic fibers such as cellulose fiber can be used for reinforcing polymeric materials. In order to make reinforced polymeric materials, biomass or fibers are added to the molten polymers in a desired ratio.

For example a plastic compound having 40 percent by weight of fibres may be required. Natural fibres are typically available as bales having long fibre lengths, and having large specific volume. The large specific volume of such fibres, makes it very difficult to feed natural fibres into the extruder, often causing jamming or burning problems. Such difficulties are compounded when a specific feed rate of such fibres is required in the mixing operation.

Accordingly, in order to make the addition of natural fibres manageable, the length of the fibres is to be reduced. Studies have shown that fibre length of substantially 1.5 to 3 mm, and preferably 2 mm exhibits better end results when used for reinforcing thermoplastic composites. Traditionally the length of the fibres is reduced by either manually cutting the natural fibres, or by using bale cutting machines. However, bale cutters do not give a uniform fibre length and a subsequent sieving is required to obtain natural fibres within a specific range. Bale cutters also do not have a large capacity, and to meet the requirements of a plastic mixing process, multiple bale cutters may be required.

Similarly raw biomass is usually not available in the particle size that is needed for compounding with polymers. Moreover raw biomass in its natural form often has high moisture content. These aspects generally result in expensive material preparation steps such drying and grinding of .biomass before it may be added to the melted polymer.

Various forms of equipment, including extrusion equipment, and methods of adding biomass to polymers for the manufacture of reinforced polymer have proven to be impractical because of the inconsistent characteristics of biomass such as wood fibers and the polymer being processed. The variety and moisture content of the source materials also often cause poor quality control for the end product.

Therefore, there is a requirement for system and method for processing biomass for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastics. Such system and methods should be such that they allow natural fibres to be crushed to a desired length to enable them to be conveniently added to plastics.

There is also a need for a biomass processing system and a method that would allow for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastic in a simple and efficient manner.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to a biomass processing system. The system comprises a barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore, an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass, a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel. The zones include a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating biomass, a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet.

The disclosure also relates to a method for processing biomass. The method comprises feeding biomass into a biomass processing system, the biomass processing system comprising barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore, an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass, a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction; and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel. The zones including a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating biomass, a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone; and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet, wherein the processing element in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in radial plane throughout the length of the processing elements. The method comprises feeding biomass into the receiving zone through the inlet of the biomass processing system; crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone by passing it through the crushing zone; and conveying the crushed biomass received from the crushing zone to the outlet.

The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite. The method comprises processing the biomass in a biomass processing system, the biomass processing system comprising a barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore; an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass; a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction; and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel. The zones including a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating the biomass, a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet; wherein the processing element in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in radial plane throughout the length of the processing elements. The method comprises feeding biomass into the receiving zone through the inlet of the biomass processing system; crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone by passing it through the crushing zone; and conveying the crushed biomass received from the crushing zone to the outlet; and adding the processed biomass received from the fibre crushing system to a thermoplastic polymer to obtain the biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The accompanying drawing illustrates the preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the following detailed description serves to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1, illustrates a biomass processing system in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2, illustrates a screw shaft of the biomass processing system in accordance an embodiment.

Figure 3, illustrates a screw shaft of the biomass processing system in accordance an alternate embodiment.

Figure 4, illustrates radial plane of the biomass processing system in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 5, illustrates the fibre length distribution for a sample of a bale of jute fibres passed through the biomass processing system.

Figure 6, is a magnified image of a sample of crushed jute fibres obtained by passing a bale of jute fibres through the biomass processing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

The document generally relates to a method and system for processing biomass. More particularly the document relates to a method and system for processing biomass for its use in manufacture of reinforced thermoplastics composite.

The description below the system and method has been described for the processing of natural fibres. However, the teaching of the document can equally be applied to the processing of any biomass. The biomass processing system comprises of an inlet hopper configured to receive a fibres to be crushed, a twin screw system configured for crushing the fibre and an outlet for passing the crushed fibre from the system. The biomass processing system comprises of a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating the fibres to be crushed fed from the inlet hopper, a crushing zone configured for crushing the fibres received from the receiving zone and a conveying zone configured for conveying the crushed fibres from the crushing zone to the outlet.

With reference to figure 1, the biomass processing system is illustrated. The biomass processing system comprises of a co-rotating twin screw system (10) comprising of a long barrel (12) having two parallel bores (14) that intersect each other. Two parallel shafts (16) and (18) that are both driven in the same direction are placed in the bore (14). Processing segments (20) are mounted one after the other in a continuous chain on the shaft (16) and (18) that transmits the rotary motion without slippage to the processing segments (20).

As illustrated in figure 1, 2 and 3, the biomass processing system comprises of three regions, the receiving zone (22) configured for receiving and separating the fibres to be crushed fed from the inlet hopper (28), a crushing zone (24) configured for crushing the fibres received from the receiving zone (22) and a conveying zone (26) configured for conveying the crushed fibres from the crushing zone (24) to the outlet (30).

^• In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, C ₀ is the receiving zone (22), C ₁ forms the crushing zone (24) and C ₂ and C ₃ form the conveying zone (26). The lengths of the zones may be determined based on the length and the nature of the fibres to be crushed and on the required length of the end product.

In accordance with an aspect, the length of the receiving zone (22) is in the range of 2 to 5 times the barrel diameter. The length of the crushing zone (24) is in the range of 1 to 7 times the barrel diameter and the length of the conveying zone (26) is in the range of 1 to 10 times the barrel diameter. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the length of the receiving zone (22) is approximately 5 times the barrel diameter, the length of the crushing zone (24) is approximately 2 times the barrel diameter and the length of the conveying zone (26) is approximately 9 times the barrel diameter. The processing segments (20) provided in each zone are configured for that zone. By way of a specific example, suitable available extruder elements may be provisioned in each zone.

In accordance with an aspect the processing elements (20) are twin screw extruder elements. The twin screw extruder elements may be completely intermeshing elements.

In accordance with an aspect, the receiving zone (22) is provided with processing segments (20) configured for receiving and separating the fibres to be crushed received from the inlet hopper (28) and for conveying the fibres to be crushed to the crushing zone (24). By way of specific example the processing segments (20) provided in the receiving zone (22) are extruder conveying elements.

The extruder elements that may be provided in the receiving zone (22) include but are not limited to a SchubKanten Elements or Regular Flighted Shovel element or their combination. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the receiving zone (22) is provided with three SchubKanten Elements having a 90 mm pitch and a 90 mm length (SKE90/90). In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the receiving zone (22) is provided with two SKE90/90 elements.

In accordance with an aspect, the crushing zone (24) is provided with crushing elements configured for crushing natural fibres. By way of specific example, the crushing elements provided in the crushing zone (24) are extruder kneading elements.

The crushing zone (24) comprises of at least one extruder kneading element. Various known extruder kneading elements may be used in the crushing zone (22). The extruder kneading element that may be provided in the crushing zone (22) include but is not limited to right handed kneading blocks, neutral kneading blocks, left handed kneaded blocks, eccentric kneading blocks, fractional lobed kneading blocks or their combination.

in the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the crushing zone (22) is provided with a single right handed bi-lobed kneading block having a length of 40 mm with 5 disks that are offset at 45 degree angle from each other (RKB 45/5/40) and a neutral kneading block having a length of 40mm with 5 disks that are offset at a 90 degree angle from each other.

hi accordance with an aspect, the crushing zone (24) may comprise of a plurality of kneading blocks positioned such that kneading blocks are placed in alteration with other processing segments (20). In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the crushing zone comprises of three right handed bi-lobed kneading block having a length of 40 mm with 5 disks that are offset at 45 degree angle from each other (RKB 45/5/40), a neutral kneading block having a length of 40mm with 5 disks that are offset at a 90 degree angle from each other (NKB 90/5/40) , a eccentric tri- lobed kneading block having 5 having a length of 40 mm with 5 disks that are offset at 45 degree angle from each other (3KB 45/5/40) and two normal bi-lobed right handed screw elements having a 90 mm pitch and a 90mm length (RSE90/90). The two RSE90/90 elements are positioned between a RKB 45/5/40, NKB 90/5/40 and 3KB 45/5/40, RKB 45/5/40 elements. hi the embodiments where SchubKanten element is provided in the receiving zone (22) the receiving zone (22) is further provided with a transition element, the transition element having a SchubKanten profile at one end and a normal profile at the other end. The transition element allows for a smooth connection between SchubKanten element and the elements having a normal or Erdmender profile in the crushing zone (24). hi the embodiment illustrated in figure 2 and 3, a SchubKanten normal element having a pitch of 90 mm and a length of 45 mm (SKN90/45) is provided between the SchubKanten Element in the receiving zone (22) and the right handed bi-lobed kneading block in the crushing zone (26).

The conveying zone (26) is provided with processing segments (20) configured for conveying the crushed fibre from the crushing zone (24) to the outlet (30). By way of specific example the processing segments (20) provided in the conveying zone (26) are extruder dispersive elements. The conveying zone (26) elements may also serve to separate the crushed fibres and to limit agglomeration of crushed fibres. The conveying zone (26) elements are also configured to separate the longer fibres received from the crushing zone (24) and to crush the longer fibres before conveying them to the outlet (30).

In accordance with an aspect, the processing segments (20) that may be provided in the conveying zone (26) include but are not limited to the normal bi-lobed right handed screw element, screw mixing element or their combination. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the conveying zone (26) is provided with three normal bi-lobed right handed screw elements having a 90 mm pitch and a 90mm length (RSE90/90), three screw mixing elements having a 75 mm pitch and a 75 mm length (SME90/90) and one normal bi-lobed right handed screw elements having a 60 mm pitch and 60 mm length (RSE 60/60). In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the conveying zone (26) is provided with a RSE90/90 element, three SME 75/75 elements and a RSE 75/75 element.

In accordance with an aspect, the processing segments (20) in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in the radial plane throughout the length of the processing segments (20). Figure 4 illustrates the radial plane of the biomass processing system with the processing segments (20) at a 30 degree position and at a 45 degree position. As illustrated in figure 4 by way of a specific example the element- element clearance at both 30 degree and 45 degree position is 0.50mm. In accordance with an aspect, the element-element clearance in the radial direction may be as small as 0.12 mm, for processing segments (20) in at least one zone of the biomass processing system, hi accordance with an aspect, all the processing segments (20) in the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in the radial plane throughout the length of the processing segments (20).

In accordance with an embodiment, the biomass processing system may be provided with a vacuum pump configured for removing the volatiles and moisture from the biomass. hi accordance with an embodiment, supercritical carbon dioxide may be injected into the biomass processing system to control the moisture content of the biomass processed.

A method for processing biomass is also disclosed. Though the method disclosed describes the processing of natural fibres. However, the process can equally be used for processing all biomass.

The method comprises of feeding fibres to be crushed into a biomass processing system through an inlet hopper, allowing the fibres to be crushed to pass through a receiving zone of the biomass processing system that receives fibre to be crushed fed through the inlet hopper and crushing the fibres received from the receiving zone by passing them through a crushing zone of the biomass processing system, configured for crushing the fibres. The crushed fibres received from the crushing zone are then conveyed to the outlet by a conveying zone. The receiving zone is configured to receive and separate the long length natural fibre strands.

hi accordance with an aspect, the fibres to be crushed may be fed in the biomass processing system in the form of bale of fibres. By way of a specific example, the bale of jute was fed into a twin screw system having a barrel diameter of 60 mm, a screw diameter of 59.7 mm and a D ₀ /Di ratio of 1.71, a flight depth of 12.3 mm, and a screw configuration as illustrated in figure 2. The twin screw system is run at a screw speed of 600RPM to get an output of 200Kg/hr of crushed jute fibres having length substantially in the range of 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

In accordance with an aspect, any biomass may be processed using this system and method. The biomass that may be processed using this system and method includes but is not limited to wood waste, agricultural waste such as wheat straw, peanut shell, rice husk, olive residue or their combination.

In accordance with an aspect, the biomass includes fibres. Such fibres include natural fibres including but not limited to jute, cotton, hemp, flex or coconut fibres. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the fibre is jute.

In accordance with an aspect, the fibres are crushed such that the length of crushed fibres is in the range of 1 to 5mm. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the fibres are crushed such that the length of a substantial portion of fibres is less than 3 mm, and a large portion of such fibres is substantially 2mm. Figure 5, illustrates the tabulation of experimental data for a sample of a bale of jute fibres passed through the natural biomass processing system, and analyzing the length of crushed fibres. A magnified image of a sample of crushed jute obtained by passing the bale of jute fibres through the natural biomass processing system is illustrated in Figure 6.

However, the length of fibres may be adjusted by adjusting the configuration of the crushing zone. By use of different screw configuration the size of the crushed natural fibre achieved may be varied. By way of a specific example, smaller fibres are obtained by increasing the number of crushing elements in the crushing zone.

By way of a specific example, fibres having length less than 2 mm may be obtained by using a biomass processing system having a configuration illustrated in figure 3. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 the crushing zone comprises of four crushing elements.

In accordance with an embodiment the process further comprises of dying the fibres or the biomass. The dying of the biomass may include removing of volatiles from the biomass. The process of drying the biomass and removing volatiles may include adding the biomass supercritical carbon dioxide.

A process for manufacturing a biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite is disclosed. The process has been described for manufacturing biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite reinforced by natural fibers. Such reinforced thermoplastics have been referred to as fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The processes may equally be applied to all biomasses.

The process comprises of crushing the fibres to a desired length by passing fibres to be crushed through a biomass processing system to obtain crushed fibres of desired length, the biomass processing system comprising of a receiving zone for receiving and separating the fibres fed through the inlet hopper, a crushing zone for crushing the fibres received from the receiving zone and a conveying zone for conveying the crushed fibres to the outlet, adding the crushed fibres obtained from the twin screw system to a thermoplastic polymer to obtain a natural fibre thermoplastic composite.

In accordance with an aspect the process further comprises of passing the natural fibre thermoplastic composite through a pelletizing system to obtain pellets of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite.

In accordance with an aspect the natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite may also be used directly for forming other structures including tubes and sheets using suitable molds and dies.

In accordance with an aspect, any biomass may be used for the manufacture of biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite. The biomass used includes but is not limited wood waste, agricultural waste such as wheat straw, peanut shell, rice husk, olive residue or their combination.

The fibres used for the manufacture of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic include but not limited to jute, cotton, hemp, flex or coconut fibres or a combination therefore. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the fibre is jute.

In addition to natural fibres the natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic may also contain manmade fibres including but not limited to fibre glass, carbon fibres. In accordance with an aspect, the fibres have a length in the range of 1 to 5 mm. Preferably the range of length of a substantial portion of fibres is less than 3 mm, and a large portion of such fibres is substantially 2mm.

The amount of natural fibres that may be added to the natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic is in the range of 5 to 30 weight per cent.

The thermoplastic polymer that may be used for the manufacture of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic includes but is not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyamines, polycarbonate, polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile- butandiene-styrene terpolymers, polysulphones, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene ethers or their combinations.

Specific embodiments are described below:

A biomass processing system comprising a barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore, an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass, a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction; and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel, the zones including a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating biomass; a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone; and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the processing elements are twin screw extruder elements.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the twin screw extruder elements are completely intermeshing elements.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the processing elements in the receiving zone are any of SchubKanten Elements or Regular Flighted Shovel element or their combination.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein at least one processing element in the crushing zone is an extruder kneading element.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the extruder kneading elements provided in the crushing zone are any of right handed kneading blocks, neutral kneading blocks, left handed kneaded blocks, eccentric kneading blocks, fractional lobed kneading blocks or their combination.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the processing element in the conveying zone is any one of normal bi-lobed right handed screw element, screw mixing element or their combination.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the processing element in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in radial plane throughout the length of the processing elements.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the element-element clearance in the radial direction is in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.12 mm.

A biomass processing system(s), wherein the length of the receiving zone is in the range of 2 to 5 times the barrel diameter, the length of the crushing zone is in the range of 1 to 7 times the barrel diameter and the length of the conveying zone is in the range of 1 to 10 times the barrel diameter.

A biomass processing system(s), further comprising a vacuum pump configured for removing volatiles and moisture from the biomass.

A biomass processing system(s), further comprising an inlet for injecting supercritical carbon dioxide into the biomass processing system.

Further specific embodiments are described below:

A method for processing biomass comprising feeding biomass into a biomass processing system, the biomass processing system comprising a barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore; an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass; a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction; and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel, the zones including a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating biomass; a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone; and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet; wherein the processing element in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in radial plane throughout the length of the processing elements the method comprising feeding biomass into the receiving zone through the inlet of the biomass processing system; crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone by passing it through the crushing zone; and conveying the crushed biomass received from the crushing zone to the outlet.

Such method(s), further comprising drying the biomass in the biomass processing system.

Such method(s), wherein the biomass processing system is operated at a speed of 600 RPM.

Such method(s), wherein the biomass includes any one of wood waste, agricultural waste such as wheat straw, peanut shell, rice husk, olive residue or their combination.

Such method(s), wherein the biomass includes natural fibres including jute, hemp, flex or coconut.

Such method(s), wherein the length of the crushed fibre is in the range of 1.5mm to 3mm.

Further specific embodiments are described below:

A method for manufacturing a biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite comprising processing the biomass in a biomass processing system, the biomass processing system comprising a barrel having two parallel bores of equal diameter, the centre distance between the two bores lesser than the diameter of the bore; an inlet configured for receiving the biomass to be processed and an outlet for the processed biomass; a shaft located within each bore, each shaft configured for rotation in the same direction; and a plurality of processing segments removably mounted on each shaft, forming three zones within the barrel, the zones including a receiving zone configured for receiving and separating the biomass; a crushing zone configured for crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone; and a conveying zone configured for conveying crushed biomass to the outlet; wherein the processing element in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have substantially uniform element-element clearance in radial plane throughout the length of the processing elements; the method comprising feeding biomass into the receiving zone through the inlet of the biomass processing system; crushing the biomass received from the receiving zone by passing it through the crushing zone; and conveying the crushed biomass received from the crushing zone to the outlet; and adding the processed biomass received from the fibre crushing system to a thermoplastic polymer to obtain the biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite.

Such method(s), further comprising drying the biomass in the biomass processing system.

Such method(s), wherein the biomass includes any one of wood waste, agricultural waste such as wheat straw, peanut shell, rice husk, olive residue or their combination.

Such method(s), wherein the biomass includes natural fibres including jute, hemp, flex or coconut.

Such method(s), wherein the length of the crushed fibre is in the range of 1.5mm to 3mm.

Such method(s), wherein the thermoplastic polymer may be any one of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyamines, polycarbonate, polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile-butandiene-styrene terpolymers, polysulphones, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene ethers or their combinations.

Such method(s), wherein the process further comprises of passing the reinforced thermoplastic composite through a pelletizing system to obtain pellets of the biomass reinforced thermoplastic composite.

A biomass reinforced thermoplastic obtained by such method(s).

Such biomass reinforced thermoplastic(s), in form of pellets.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The device and method as disclosed above provides for a simple and efficient device and method for processing biomass and crushing of natural fibres. The device may be used for crushing the natural fibres to obtain short length natural fibre. The crushed natural fibres obtained are within a small length range. Moreover, the length of the fibers obtained by the system and method as disclosed may be adjusted by adjusting the configuration of the system. Moreover, the device and method as disclosed allows for crushing of natural fibres in an energy efficient manner. The system allows for a greater control of the particle size of biomass and the moisture content of the biomass used for reinforcement of thermoplastic.

In the system as disclosed the processing element provided in at least one zone of the biomass processing system have equal element-element clearance in the radial plane along the entire length of the processing element. Moreover, the element-element clearance between the processing elements in the biomass processing system is reduced. It is believed that due to the fact that there is not sufficient pressure to force material through these gaps, the meta-radial shearing forces in the intermeshing zone that causes shear stress peaks does not operate. Moreover, adhesive wear due to the metal radial shearing forces that push the elements apart to the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position is vastly reduced. It is believed it is these features of the biomass processing system that allows the crushing of fibers and processing of biomass.

The processed biomass and the crushed fibres so obtained by using the device and method as disclosed above may be used for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastic.

Reduction in the length of fibres increases its density and reduces its specific volume, allowing the addition of the natural fibre in the desired rate. The crushed natural fibres are suitable for use in manufacturing natural fibres reinforced plastics.