Sustainable Composites from Nature to Construction: Hemp and Linseed Reinforced Biocomposites Based on Bio-Based Epoxy Resins.

The present manuscript describes the use of natural fibers as natural and sustainable reinforcement agents for advanced bio-based composite materials for strategic sectors, for example, the construction sector. The characterization carried out shows the potential of both natural hemp and linseed fibers, as well as their composites, which can be used as insulation materials because their thermal conductivity properties can be compared with those observed in typical construction materials such as pine wood. Nevertheless, linseed composites show better mechanical performance and hemp has higher fire resistance.

Missing link between the Hayward and Rodgers Creek faults.

The next major earthquake to strike the ~7 million residents of the San Francisco Bay Area will most likely result from rupture of the Hayward or Rodgers Creek faults. Until now, the relationship between these two faults beneath San Pablo Bay has been a mystery. Detailed subsurface imaging provides definitive evidence of active faulting along the Hayward fault as it traverses San Pablo Bay and bends ~10° to the right toward the Rodgers Creek fault.