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.
Photo: Toyota
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.
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