Photo: Toyota
Don’t worry, the automakers are not mixing fuzzy bunnies with petroleum products to create new materials. Instead they combine organic resins to create reinforced plastics.
Automotive interior systems manufacturer Toyota Boshoku and Toyota Central R&D Labs announced they have developed the technology to create a very strong bio-based plastic alloy, which is said to be 10 times more impact resisting than standard plastic used in most automotive interiors.
The bioalloy is produced from PA 11, a 100 percent biologic based resin from plants and synthesized castor oil as well as a PP derived from petroleum-based resin. The improved impact strength was achieved by controlling the phase structure of the PP and PA 11 at the nano level through a salami-like structure dispersion.
The new bio-plastic alloy may be used in automotive interior decorations as well as collision energy absorber panels, like bumpers and fenders.
The bioalloy is produced from PA 11, a 100 percent biologic based resin from plants and synthesized castor oil as well as a PP derived from petroleum-based resin. The improved impact strength was achieved by controlling the phase structure of the PP and PA 11 at the nano level through a salami-like structure dispersion.
The new bio-plastic alloy may be used in automotive interior decorations as well as collision energy absorber panels, like bumpers and fenders.
Google News