Auto supplier boosts automotive bio-plastics
Auto supplier Faurecia SA has launched the production of injection molding bio-compound that combines hemp and polypropylene in Europe, and is looking for opportunities to expand the technology to North America.
At the same time, the company is developing a completely natural compound that combines natural fillings with an herbal resin.
Both developments come as the automotive industry is to reduce weight and lower price fluctuations that come from more traditional materials.
"It's only two product cycles now until we get to that ( 54.5 miles per U.S. gallon fuel economy ) standard in 2025," said Jay Hutchins, director of marketing and product planning for Faurecia North America during a telephone interview on Dec. 12.
Faurecia showed a range of natural materials during the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, and displays them in an event during the press preview at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 13-16.
Compounds with renewable materials as a replacement for glass or talc auto parts are not new. They have been in production for over a decade, but is normally used in compression -molded parts.
NafiLean Faurecia is an injection molding material, which can be used in existing equipment, reducing the costs of bringing it to market.
The company began manufacturing door panel substrates with him during the summer two piece PSA Peugeot Citroën Peugeot 308.
"We've been doing compression molding for 25 years and with the natural fiber for 10 or 15 years," Hutchins said. "These are great products for something with a relatively flat geometry without undercuts. When talking off the top of the door, there are a lot of constrained geometry ".
Hemp also offers an enhanced level let alone on glass density, so Faurecia can produce a piece of thinner walls, with the same structural capabilities. In the case of the 308, which is saving 400 grams per door panel said.
Faurecia continues to prove NafiLean prospects elsewhere, especially the instrument panels, and is looking forward to starting production in the U.S. is lining material's suppliers, as well as sources for hemp.
In tests, hemp has been the best natural material for bio- composites because it works better with the chemistry of PP, despite U.S. laws that restrict hemp production in the country. Other companies have from Canadian hemp farmer's compression molded parts.
The next step beyond NafiLean be based material of all bio - Hutchins said. Faurecia has collaborated with Mitsubishi Chemicals and other partners to develop BioMat that combines natural fillings with a bio -based resin.
" The next step in the evolution is BioMat " he said. "The idea is 100 percent green content. You could be isolated from the fluctuations on the oil market that affect resin prices now."
Faurecia expects the Biomat injection molding could do in cars in 2016.