| Honda has developed a fabric based on plant material with the aim of offsetting all CO2 emitted during the disposal of the car against that absorbed during the growth of the biomass used as the raw material.
Honda is using corn as a substitute reactant for one of the conventional petrochemicals used to manufacture the glycol 1,3-propanediol. This is polymerised to produce polypropylene terephthalate (PPT), a thermoplastic similar to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) commonly used to make soft drink bottles.
In fibre form and using a multi-thread weave, Honda has produced a fabric of automotive grade, with appropriate levels of durability, aesthetics and smoothness, factors which have in the past prevented its use in car interiors.
Primarily for use as a seat fabric, the material can also be used for door trims, roof linings and floor mats. PPT fibres have excellent wear resistance and are non–static.
Honda says its new fabric does not require changes to the production processes and is suitable for mass production.The first application will be a new fuel cell vehicle, to be released within three years. |
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