Overview

This thesis project explores how natural fiber composites can replace traditional carbon fiber in drone applications without sacrificing performance. Centered around sustainability and material innovation, the project reimagines the drone frame using a flax fiber and bio-based epoxy composite. It investigates the environmental impact of current aerospace-grade materials and introduces a more responsible alternative that still meets the demands of strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.

Through iterative prototyping, mold development, and performance testing, the project challenges assumptions about what high-performance composites need to be made of—and when they should be redesigned entirely. The work envisions a future where drone fabrication aligns with circular design principles, positioning natural fibers as the next frontier in aerospace materials.