Mazda has developed a new bioplastics for the automotive
engineer. Using the material made from renewable raw materials, Japanese automakers
reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, such as petroleum, from which
plastics are mostly produced, thus also reducing CO2
emissions. The dyed bioplastics, according to company data with its color depth and
the smooth, mirror-like surface, has a higher quality than varnished,
petroleum-based plastics. Since the material does not have to be painted, the emissions of
so-called volatile organic compounds (VOC) also decrease.
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Mazda (Photo:Mazda home page) |
For the interior
Mazda has been researching products from renewable raw materials for
several years under the heading "Mazda Biotech Material". For example, the company was the first automotive manufacturer to
develop a high-strength, heat-resistant bioplastics for vehicle
interiors as well as the world's first fabric for seat covers made
exclusively from plant fibers. As a part of the exterior, however, the plastic must not only be
high-quality but also weather-resistant, scratch-resistant and
impact-resistant.
Versatile material developed
Mazda has now, in cooperation with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation,
succeeded in developing a material which is equally suitable for the
interior as well as for the exterior of a car. For this purpose, the composition was optimized and patented from a
very formable and durable bioplastics base, additives and
dyes. The injection molding process has also been modified. As a result, parts can be produced which are just as resistant as
conventional plastics, but still look more high-quality.
Presentation of the "Mazda biotech material"
The bioplastics will be used for the first time in the interior of
the new Mazda MX-5, which will be launched in 2015. Exterior parts from renewable raw materials are introduced with later
models. The prototypes of "Mazda biotech material" will be presented at the
"Eco-Products 2014" trade fair in Tokyo this month.
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