Composite Materials Will Lead to Greener Cars

The use of composite materials is rapidly entering into the automotive industry thanks to a technique developed by a spin-off. This technique promises lighter cars that burn less fuel and, consequently, emit less CO2. In 2013, we may see car bumpers, doors, and frames made from composite materials, which are engineered or naturally occurring materials such as fiberglass made from two or more constituents with different physical or chemical properties. Since new composites are more durable and yet still lighter than their metal counterparts, they make for lighter cars that consume less gas and release less CO2. Read For Mass Production - Until now, composites laid down in fiber and resin have been reserved for aeronautics, sailing, or Formula 1 racing because of the complexity of their production. But the auto-industry has long been interested in getting these materials into mass production. The problem has been the time required to make these components.