Researchers Say Plastics, Wood Pulp Could Make Cars Lighter

Automakers traditionally turn to high-tensile steel, aluminum alloys, and carbon fiber to reduce the weight of their vehicles. But in the future, a new material made from wood pulp could be added to that list.

Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan say the material, cellulose nanofiber, is one-fifth as heavy as steel and can be five times stronger. They’re hoping it can become an economically viable solution by 2030.

In collaboration with other companies such as Denso Corp, Toyota’s biggest supplier, the Kyoto University researchers are looking into plastics mixed with cellulose nanofibers, which are made by breaking down wood pulp into several hundredths of a micron, or one thousandth of a millimeter.

Cellulose nanofibers have been used in other industries, but researchers see big potential for their application in cars. In a procedure appropriately named the Kyoto Process, wood fibers are kneaded into the plastics while at the same time being broken down into nanofibers. This process is said to reduce production costs to one-fifth that of other processes.

“This is the lowest-cost, highest-performance application for cellulose nanofibers, and that’s why we’re focusing on its use in auto and aircraft parts,” research leader and Kyoto University Professor Hiroaki Yano told Reuters.

Despite the potential benefits, cellulose nanofibers won’t replace other lightweighting materials in cars for many years, the publication reports. Not only would automakers have to revamp their production lines, but costs would need to come down. Currently, it takes around 1,000 yen (roughly $9) to mass produce a kilogram of cellulose nanofiber. Compare that to around $2 per kilogram for aluminum alloys and high-tensile steel.

By 2030, researchers hope to slash prices for cellulose nanofiber mass production in half, a feat that would make it competitive with some other materials because it would be combined with plastic. Meanwhile, carbon fiber prices are expected to hover around $10 per kg by 2025.

Researchers in Japan use wood to make cellulose nanofiber auto parts that are stronger, lighter than metal https://t.co/YLjRuYbkol http://pic.twitter.com/QAay2U45IF

— The Japan Times (@japantimes) August 15, 2017

Before the material is ready for prime time, researchers are working on a prototype car using cellulose nanofibers, and it’s expected to arrive in 2020.

Meanwhile, plastics aren’t making their way into just cars. A group in the U.K. is testing roads made from recycled plastics that are said to be stronger and longer-lasting than traditional asphalt.

Source: Reuters

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