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Toyoda Gosei Develops CNF-reinforced Plastic for Automotive Parts
Rhea-AI Impact
(Low)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
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Rhea-AI Summary
Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has developed a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic aimed at reducing CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle of automotive components. This innovative material is significantly lighter and stronger than steel, allowing for thinner designs and reduced weight, which contribute to lower CO2 emissions during vehicle operation. The CNF-reinforced plastic comprises 20% CNF combined with polypropylene, enhancing recycling while maintaining structural integrity. The project aligns with efforts to promote environmental sustainability in the automotive sector.
Positive
Development of CNF-reinforced plastic reduces CO2 emissions across product lifecycle.
Material is lighter (one-fifth the weight of steel) and stronger (five times the strength of steel), contributing to vehicle efficiency.
Recyclable with maintained strength during heating, supporting circular economy initiatives.
Negative
Initial impact resistance issues needed resolution before practical application; ongoing cost reduction is necessary.
Utilizes biomaterials and reduces CO2 over the product lifecycle
KIYOSU, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has developed* a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic with the aim of reducing CO2 over the lifecycle of automotive components, from raw material procurement and production to recycling and disposal.
CNF-reinforced plastic and trial automotive products (Graphic: Business Wire)
In moving toward decarbonization and a circular economy, Toyoda Gosei is developing materials that raise the environmental performance of its products by leveraging the following features of CNF. First, CNF has one-fifth the weight and five times the strength of steel. When used as a reinforcing material in plastic or rubber, the product can be made thinner and foam molding becomes easier. This reduces weight and contributes to lower CO2 emissions during vehicle driving. Second, when the material is reused after vehicles are scrapped, little strength is lost from heating and melting, making recycling in automotive components possible. Third, it is a material that does not increase the total amount of CO2. Even when CNF is incinerated, the only CO2 emitted is that which was absorbed by the plant during its growth.
The newly developed CNF-reinforced plastic combines 20% CNF in a general purpose plastic (polypropylene) used in automobile interior and exterior components. For practical application, reduced impact resistance from the inclusion of CNF was initially an issue. Toyoda Gosei overcame this with its material mix design and kneading expertise to raise impact resistance to a level suitable for automotive components. The company will continue to lower costs in cooperation with CNF material manufacturers.
*Part of the Ministry of the Environment Nano Cellulose Promotion project, which promotes efforts for the early social implementation of CNF-reinforced plastics that are the basis of various products, with the aim of reducing CO2.
What is Toyoda Gosei's new CNF-reinforced plastic?
Toyoda Gosei has developed a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic that reduces CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle of automotive components.
How does Toyoda Gosei's CNF-reinforced plastic contribute to sustainability?
It is lighter and stronger than steel, allows for recycling, and does not increase total CO2 emissions when incinerated.
What percentage of CNF is used in Toyoda Gosei's new plastic?
The new CNF-reinforced plastic combines 20% CNF with polypropylene.
What challenges did Toyoda Gosei face with CNF-reinforced plastic?
Initial issues with impact resistance had to be resolved to ensure suitability for automotive components.
How does Toyoda Gosei plan to enhance the use of CNF-reinforced plastic?
The company aims to lower costs through collaboration with CNF material manufacturers.
