Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

The automotive industry is in the driving seat of 'green' composites because it is here that the needs is greatest. A logical starting point is to take recyclable thermoplastic resigns, and combine them with biodegradable plant-based fibers. Natural fibers have the potential to reduce vehicle weight...

The automotive industry is in the driving seat of 'green' composites because it is here that the needs is greatest. A logical starting point is to take recyclable thermoplastic resigns, and combine them with biodegradable plant-based fibers. Natural fibers have the potential to reduce vehicle weight up to 40% compared with glass fiber, which accounts for the majority of automotive components. Much less energy is used in growing, harvesting, and preparing natural fibers than in producing mineral fibers including glass fiber. This paper describes the characteristics of natural fiber, the trend of automotive parts using natural fiber, and the physical properties including weight reduction through decreasing the density and jute reinforced polypropylene for the instrument panel.