Maira Magnani, Advanced Materials & Processes, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering Europe reviewed their worldwide activities with bio-materials. Their goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% between 2006 and 2020.
- · All vehicles made in the Americas use 12% of a soy polyol to make the PU foam for seat cushions and backs. They plan to increase this to 25%.
- · Compression moulded PP-Natural fibre composites are used to save weight (cf GRP) in the Mondeo, Focus, C-Max, Escape, Kuga and Fiesta.
- · PP-wheatstraw mouldings are used in the Flex to reduce density and CO2 emissions c.f. GRP.
- · PP-hemp or PP-sisal injection mouldings are being developed to reduce weight and have now passed all tests to allow wider use in interiors.
- More recycled material usage is planned, the opportunities being:
- · 100% recycled carpets.
- · Post industrial plastic waste recycled into bumpers.
- · Milk and Detergent bottles recycled into screen-wash bottles and air ducts.
- · Tyres recycled into aero-deflectors and under hood covers
- · Battery cases recycled into splash shields.
- · Recycled PU foam in sound-proofing.
- Reduced CO2 emissions from petrol and diesel are being achieved by:
- · Optimisation of combustion engines.
- · Aerodynamic improvements and low friction tyres.
- · Building more hybrids and electric cars – but battery production increases CO2 emissions.
- · Using 2nd generation biofuels.
- · Using more weight saving bio-composites.
- · Using “Telematics” – Sat-Navs which calculate the most fuel-efficient routes.
(from the Biopolymer World Conference, Venice, April 2012)
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