Abstract: A method of preparing a plant-based prepreg is provided. The method includes adhering a plurality of plant fibers or strands to form a mat or sheet, enclosing the mat or sheet within a vacuum bag having an inlet and outlet, applying a vacuum pressure to the vacuum bag, passing a resin through the inlet to infuse the resin into the mat or sheet; and removing the vacuum bag to provide the plant-based prepreg. A laminated composite material may be prepared by layering a plurality of plant-based prepregs and applying heat and compression to the layered plant-based prepregs to provide the laminated composite material.

Abstract: Apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment are provided for molding a unit of a second material onto an article made of a first material. An inflatable, flexible bladder is fluidly connectable to a source of a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air. The pressurized fluid is used to inflate the bladder such that, when the bladder is at least partially inflated with the fluid, the article may be pushed against the bladder to invert the bladder and cause the exterior surface of the bladder to form a mold around at least a portion of the article.