- International conference covers bio-based materials in automotive engineering
- Bio-based alternatives derived from renewable raw materials
- Bioconcept-car on display
BioCar, a new conference for the car industry, will launch in September 2015. Focussed mainly on bio-based materials in automotive engineering, the international meeting will debut in Stuttgart, Germany, on 24 and 25 September as part of Composites Europe 2015.
150,000 tonnes bio-based composites in automotive engineering
An increasing number of manufacturers are relying on bio-based alternatives derived from renewable raw materials such as wood, cotton, flax, jute or coir, all of which are being deployed as composites in the interior trims of high-quality doors and dashboards. According to the nova-Institut, the European car industry most recently (2012) processed approximately 80,000 tonnes of wood and natural fibres into composites. The total volume of bio-based composites in automotive engineering was 150,000 tonnes.
Bioplastics equally useful for demanding applications
And bioplastics are equally useful for demanding applications in the automotive sector: bio-based polyamides from castor oil are used in high-performance components, polylactic acid (PLA) in door panels, soy-based foams in seat cushions and arm rests, and bio-based epoxy resins in composites. In May, the nova-Institut published an updated market study on bio-based polymers and their worldwide deployment.
At BioCar, experts will present lectures on the latest developments in bio-based materials. Among other materials, the portfolio will include conventional plastics filled or reinforced with sophisticated natural-fibre products as well as bio-based, so called “drop-in” bioplastics, such as castor oil-based polyamides or polyolefins from sugar cane-based bioethanol. Novel bioplastics such as PLA or PTT will also be featured, as will duromer resins from renewable resources and bio-based alternatives for rubber and elastomers.
In addition, a bioconcept-car will be on display. The car is a BMEL / FNR funded project of the Institute for bioplastics and biomaterials (IfBB) of the University of Hannover. The aim is to develop components for the automotive industry and racing using biobased materials (bioplastics and biocomposites).
A bioconcept-car will also be on display (Photo courtesy: Four Motors)
