Specialists considered the possibility of creating a composite material based on bamboo and plastic, which would be characterized by increased strength. During the experiments, it turned out that bamboo demonstrates significantly better results than other synthetic or natural fibers.
During the tests, bamboo samples were subjected to heating above 100 degrees Celsius to check their ability to maintain shape. Tests were also conducted for tensile strength and resistance to intense impact loads.
“Bamboo is an excellent material that combines strength and flexibility. Moreover, it is a renewable resource and is widely distributed in China and other Asian countries,” noted Janet Yin, senior engineer for new materials at the Ford Research Center in Nanjing.
In addition, last month, Ford, together with Magna, demonstrated an experimental front subframe made of carbon fiber.
