Car Companies Looking at Lightweight Composites... Thermoplastics?

This recent Plastics news article (read it here), discusses how the major auto manufacturers are researching advanced composite materials. In an attempt to stay with the times, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is investigating new materials being researched at universities, government laboratories, and R&D companies. It was also noted,

"Michigan is not alone in investing in lightweight materials: Toyota Motor Corp. of Toyota City, Japan, is “progressing” in its research into using thermoplastic composites in structural parts, said Justin Ward, advanced powertrain program manager at the Toyota Technical Center in Gardena, Calif. The center is part of the research and development division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., Toyota’s U.S. subsidiary based in Erlanger, Ky."

Weight savings (fuel efficiency) will continue the push towards the increased use of composite materials in transportation. For car manufacturers, composites processing has traditionally been seen as a new and big investment in tooling and equipment. Material costs, surface finish, end of life recyclability, and other issues must all be solved prior to acceptance.

Thermoplastic composites will be a natural candidate with the ability to post mold, ability for automotive quality surface finish, impact resistance, and recyclable features. European car manufacturers are already playing around with continuous fiber thermoplastic components, as I believe the new BMW M series bumpers are manufactured with a carbon reinforced thermoplastic bumper. (will look into this further)

Photo Credit: WilVision Photography via flicker