Aesthetically-enhanced structures using natural fiber composites

Abstract

An aesthetically-enhanced structure is formed by fusing a translucent layer with an aesthetic-enhancing layer. The translucent layer includes natural fibers impregnated by a thermoplastic. The translucent layer or the aesthetic-enhancing layer provide one or more aesthetic properties visible through the translucent layer, for example, a pattern, a color, a texture, a pigment, a dye, a design, an image or a relief.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A structure comprising:
 a translucent layer comprising a plurality of natural fibers impregnated by a plant-based thermoplastic, wherein the plurality of natural fibers comprises a first layer of natural fibers that has an areal weight between about 50 gsm and about 200 gsm; and   a core layer adjacent to the translucent layer, wherein the core layer comprises:
 a display; and 
 a translucent natural fiber laminate. 
   
     
     
         23 . The structure of  claim 22 , further comprising a reinforcing backing layer to provide additional structural integrity to structure. 
     
     
         24 . The structure of  claim 23 , wherein the backing layer is a nonwoven layer. 
     
     
         25 . The structure of  claim 24 , wherein the nonwoven layer comprises cellulose. 
     
     
         26 . The structure of  claim 22 , further comprising a transparent surface coat adjacent to the translucent layer, wherein the transparent surface coat is configured to protect the translucent layer. 
     
     
         27 . The structure of  claim 26 , wherein the transparent surface coat comprises a polyolefin. 
     
     
         28 . The structure of  claim 22 , further comprising a translucent surface coat adjacent to the translucent layer, wherein the translucent surface coat is configured to protect the translucent layer. 
     
     
         29 . The structure of  claim 28 , wherein the translucent surface coat comprises a polyolefin. 
     
     
         30 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the plant-based thermoplastic comprises a polyolefin. 
     
     
         31 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of natural fibers comprises at least one of flax, hemp, agave, kenaf, nettle, ramie, abaca, sisal, switchgrass, bamboo, jute, or animal wool. 
     
     
         32 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of natural fibers are unidirectional. 
     
     
         33 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of natural fibers are nonwoven. 
     
     
         34 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein:
 the display comprises a graphical user interface; and   the core layer further comprises one or more touch interface hardware components.   
     
     
         35 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the core layer further comprises a plurality of channels. 
     
     
         36 . The structure of  claim 35 , wherein the plurality of channels comprises a fluid configured to heat and/or cool one or more components of the structure. 
     
     
         37 . The structure of  claim 35 , wherein the plurality of channels is configured to receive one or more electrical components. 
     
     
         38 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the core layer further comprises one or more materials configured to shield the display from external electromagnetic radiation. 
     
     
         39 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the core layer further comprises one or more battery compartments. 
     
     
         40 . The structure of  claim 39 , wherein the one or more battery compartments are configured to receive one or more lithium-ion batteries. 
     
     
         41 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the core layer further comprises a fire retardant material. 
     
     
         42 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the structure is configured to be used in a piece of furniture, a storage container, a utensil, a tool, an interior building panel, an exterior building panel, sporting equipment, or a vehicle.