Cars of the future may soon be stronger and more environmentally friendly because vehicle constituents will be ‘grown’.
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So claim scientists at QinetiQ, Europe’s largest science and technology organisation, who are leading a groundbreaking new project called Biomat, which aims to harness the full potential of natural plant fibres as raw materials for the automotive industry.
The new materials, which incorporate flax, hemp and willow fibres are lighter, stronger, cleaner to produce and easier to recycle than materials currently used. Increased consumer environmental awareness, coupled with tough new legislation on recycling has encouraged investment in their development by the motor industry.
Already, EU legislation proposals making vehicle producers liable for the costs of recycling will be enacted before the end of 2003 to deal with the nine million tonne European car mountain.
Ford has become a Biomat partner because it is interested in using the new materials for car body components that improve vehicle safety and reduce environmental impact.
Biomat project leader Robert West, said: “Concerns about the motor industry and its effects on our environment are growing every day and new legislation is putting them at the top of the corporate agenda. The development of more durable and ecologically sound materials will be a crucial part of automotive manufacturing in the future.”
