Toyoda Gosei develops seawater-derived fiber-reinforced material
Fiber reinforcement is formed from magnesium hydroxide derived from seawater, achieving plastic parts that contributed to improved environmental performance.
Source | Toyoda Gosei
Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (Kiyosu, Japan) has developed a lightweight material reinforced with fibers that use magnesium hydroxide derived from seawater, in its decarbonization efforts to create lighter weight products leveraging its plastic and rubber materials technology.
In this new plastic material, a magnesium compound derived from seawater is mixed as part of the reinforcing material into a general purpose plastic (polypropylene) used in interior and exterior products. The magnesium compound is fibriform, and so provides greater reinforcement than the previous material (talc), according to the company. As a result, the amount of reinforcing material can be reduced by half, while retaining the same quality as before, contributing to improved environmental performance of vehicles during operation. Another property of the new material is that scratches are less noticeable. This eliminates the need for paint to protect the surface on some products, contributing to a reduction in CO2 during manufacture; Toyoda Gosei cites that in some products, CO2 can be reduced by as much as 70%.
Related Content
-
Sulapac introduces Sulapac Flow 1.7 to replace PLA, ABS and PP in FDM, FGF
Available as filament and granules for extrusion, new wood composite matches properties yet is compostable, eliminates microplastics and reduces carbon footprint.
-
DITF Denkendorf advances sustainable carbon fibers, oxide fibers for CMC and more
The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research are targeting more sustainable carbon fiber via low-pressure stabilization and bio-based precursors, and working with Saint-Gobain to commercialize oxide ceramic fibers for CMC.
-
Bcomp ampliTex makes appearance in Cupra EV Cup Bucket seats
The entire Cupra Born VZ line-up features all-natural fiber front seats that highlight functionality, aesthetics and reduced CO2 emissions.
