How plantains and carbon nanotubes can improve cars

image: Carmakers have been using natural fibres for decades in high-end sedans and coupes. Natural fibers such as hemp, flax and wood are used in interior door panels; as well as engine, interior and noise insulation. But such natural fibre polymer composite materials can crack, break and bend. Researchers from the University of Johannesburg have shown that plantain pseudo-stems is a promising renewable source for an emerging type of lighter nanocomposite materials for the automotive industry. Reducing a vehicle's mass can improve fuel efficiency. view more 

Credit: Dr Patrick Ehi Imoisili, Therese van Wyk, University of Johannesburg.

A luxury automobile is not really a place to look for something like sisal, hemp or wood. Yet auto makers have been using natural fibres for decades.

Some high-end sedans and coupes use these in composite materials for interior door panels; engine, interior and noise insulation; and internal engine covers among other uses.

Unlike steels or aluminium, natural fibre composites do not rust or corrode. They can also be durable and easily molded.

The biggest benefits fibre reinforced polymer composites bring to cars are the light weight, good crash properties, and noise and vibration reducing characteristics.

But making more parts of a vehicle from renewable sources is a challenge. Natural fibre polymer composites can crack, break and bend. The reasons for this include too low tensile, flexural and impact strength in the composite material.

Researchers from the University of Johannesburg have now