Cover A natural fibre drone prototype by Midwest Composites (Photo: Midwest Composites)
A natural fibre drone prototype by Midwest Composites (Photo: Midwest Composites)
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CEO of Midwest Composites, Sethu Raaj, offers insights into the fascinating world of biocomposites and their ability to reduce our carbon footprint
In the pursuit of driving progress, Petronas has been supporting promising agile startups through its growth accelerator programme: Petronas FutureTech. In 2023, Petronas FutureTech 3.0 focused on scaling the next generation of technology startups in the Asia Pacific region, geared to drive positive change and sustainability across various industries through new innovations and technologies. Beyond sustainability, other focal themes included the future of energy and mobility, the future of industry and work, frontier technology, and the future of chemicals and materials.
Midwest Composites is part of the recent crop of startup cohorts, led by CEO Sethu Raaj. The progressive company has over 36 years of experience in manufacturing advanced composites, conducting biocomposite research and development, and providing engineering solutions for the aerospace, military, automotive and mass transit industries.
Above Sethu Raaj, Midwest Composites CEO
Sethu Raaj, Midwest Composites CEO
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A composite material combines two or more different constituent materials to create a new material with enhanced properties. Examples include fibreglass, carbon fibre, reinforced polymers or reinforced concrete. Due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and other tailored properties, composites are ideally used in structures such as buildings, bridges, boat hulls, racing car bodies, shower stalls and many other aspects of everyday life.
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Sustainable innovation in this area is important for a number of reasons, as Sethu explains: “Polluting our environment with plastics and synthetic fibres in landfills is becoming a serious problem. The lack of recycling options for these synthetic materials is another problem. So, the use of natural fibre materials and agricultural biomass as an [alternative to] synthetic fibres is a step in the right direction to save our planet. Hopefully, the [demand] from companies for biobased materials will motivate resin manufacturers to produce cost-effective biobased resins to create greener products. Imagine a world where the plastics we use are obtained from plant-based sources, which can then biodegrade after their life cycle.”
Above Midwest Composites workshop
Midwest Composites workshop
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Being a part of the Petronas FutureTech 3.0 programme gave Midwest Composites the chance to collaborate with business units under Petronas that are keen on embracing sustainable solutions, especially kenaf-based natural fibres. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is known for its rapid growth, reaching heights of up to 18 feet (5.5 metres) in as little as three months, making it an efficient crop for biomass production. Kenaf boasts impressive environmental benefits, transforming carbon dioxide to oxygen at a significantly higher rate than woody trees. Furthermore, it requires less water, minimal pesticides and fertilisers to grow than many other crops. Additionally, its deep root system helps improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
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Midwest Composites is especially passionate about the area of biocomposites, which is in the midst of seeing new developments. “There are natural fibre materials being developed now that are fire- and moisture-resistant using just natural additives. There are also naturally available fibres such as kapok that are moisture-resistant on their own. We are trying to lead the charge in utilising different fibres that exhibit these amazing specific properties and combining them to create new fibres that incorporate all these specific properties into one material.”
Above Kenaf plant (Photo: iStock)
Above Dried kenaf stalks (Photo: iStock)
Kenaf plant (Photo: iStock)
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Despite astounding progress, Sethu claims that the greatest challenge is convincing old-school businessmen and engineers that it is time to embrace new materials like advanced composites and biocomposites. “There is not much awareness in this region of the benefits of adapting these new materials like the Europeans and North Americans, who developed this technology, have. However, there are companies that are moving towards innovative new materials and these are the type of clients that we are serving.”
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Under his leadership, the company is currently engaged in research and development projects with an advanced materials team, working with graphene (a pure carbon material extracted from graphite) and also building the kenaf handle for the Petronas 50th Anniversary Torch. Through Petronas FutureTech 3.0, Midwest Composites has also participated in Hyundai Cradle’s Demo Day as a panellist and presenter.
“We would like for Malaysians to be aware of our efforts to save our planet and environment through the use of natural fibre composites. We [invite] businesses in aerospace, automotive and mass transit with an interest in green and sustainable materials to contact us so that we can help them achieve a greener future for all. Composites are a niche market, and not much coverage is given to it, even though we are changing the world one step at a time. Last year, we were selected by JEC, the leading Composites Association in Europe, as one of Asia’s top five composites startups. This year, we are representing Asia at the Startup Now pitching competition in Germany against 16 other startups selected by the German Chamber of Commerce.”
Credits
Photography: Midwest Composites
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