The Natural fiber compounds They seem to have arrived to stay in the world automotive sector. This theory is based after knowing that marks of weight within the industry, have chosen to replace materials as revered as carbon fiber, with others of this type. In the case of the German firm, this decision was taken after the successful use of renewable raw materials in racing cars.
BMW Group will now take advantage of natural fiber compounds also for its serial production models after several years of development and deep research. Compounds of renewable raw materials even meet the strict demands of ceiling structures in the total homologation of the vehicle.
Natural fiber compounds: hemp or linen as raw material
In recent months, we have known different technologies related to the use of natural fiber compounds in different areas within the automotive sector. An example of this is Danu, the alternative to carbon fiber, sustainable made of hemp and with greater resistance. In fact, the British company Exotechnologieshas recently presented the world’s first helmet model, completely recyclable and manufactured entirely with this technology.
We do not know if this tendency to stop using carbon fiber in favor of natural fiber compounds has something to do with another of those genius gestated by Brussels bureaucrats: “Prohibit carbon fiber to save the planet.” The reason to implement this rule by the year 2029 (now they deny that this will happen), is the result of having concluded that the filaments produced, a consequence of their decomposition and recycling, are usually suspended in the air and, of becoming in contact with human skin, could be harmful to it.
Regarding BMW Group and its intention to include natural fiber compounds in the manufacture of parts and accessories for their new models, as explained Franciscus van MeelCEO of BMW M GmbH: “Natural fiber compounds are a vital element of innovative lightness solutions in sports motor racing, allowing a reduction in CO₂E emissions in the manufacturing process.”
Concludes: “Natural fiber is an innovation that perfectly exemplifies the motto of BMW M” born on the racing track. Made for the streets. ”That is why we are delighted to confirm the series maturity of these materials, an advance that we achieved with BcomP, our official BMW M Motorsport partner. Now we look forward to the use of these materials in the future ranges of products of BMW M.”
Line Linen -based components have been developed in collaboration with BcomP, a Swiss company of clean technology, for several years. The association with BcomP supports the objective of BMW Group to further reduce CO₂E emissions in future vehicle models. Munich’s headquarters with headquarters has a participation in BcomP through BMW I Ventures, the company’s risk capital branch.
Light construction has long been a crucial development field for BMW Group. The use of natural fibers with a reduced co -fingerprint in composite materials has become increasingly important. Materials tests have demonstrated the great suitability of the fibers, especially for visible exterior and interior components.
An example: the exchange of carbon fiber compounds by natural fiber compounds on the ceiling of the next generation of BMW Group leads to A reduction of approximately 40% in CO₂ in production, in addition to additional benefits at the end of the useful life.
Innovative reinforcement pieces made of natural fiber compounds were initially used by BMW M Motorsport in the 2019 Formula E season. Since then, the components have also been used successfully in the BMW M4 DTM and the M4 GT4, replacing carbon fiber plastic parts (CFRP).
Since 2022, BcomP has been an official BMW M Motorsport partner for the BMW M4 GT4. The new light materials will soon experience the final performance test when installed in the BMW M4 GT4 for the 24 -hour race in Nürburgring. It is assumed that this same technology based on the development of natural fiber compounds, will also reach the range of BMW Motorrad models sooner rather than later.
