| Japanese carmaker Mazda says it has developed
the world’s first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibres
that is suitable for use in vehicle interiors.
It plans to use the biofabric for seat covers and door trim in the Premacy
Hydrogen RE hybrid that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next
month. The car will also feature a bioplastic which Mazda developed in
2006 in its instrument panel and other interior fittings.
The new biofabric is made of 100% polylactic acid – a plastic created
by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from
fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars.
Mazda has been working with fibre specialist companies in the Teijin group.
The biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, but has the quality
and durability required for vehicle seat covers. It is resistant to abrasion
and damage from sunlight, in addition to being flame retardant.
Mazda says it will develop non-food-based materials to avoid impact on
food supplies. The research work has concentrated on changing the molecular
architecture of raw resins to improve fibre strength until the fabric
attains sufficient resistance to abrasion and light damage for practical
use in vehicle seat covers. Fire retardant properties are added later
through surface engineering.
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