Biomimetic approaches towards lightweight composite structures for car interior parts

Due to good density specific mechanical properties and low carbon footprint, natural fibre-reinforced plastic composites made from fleeces felts are frequently used as automotive interior parts. The industry targets further mass reduction. Following a biomimetic technology-pull approach, polypropylene plates with improved lightweight potential were produced using compression moulding. Best results obtained for sandwich structure thin, unidirectional flax fibre layers surrounding needle felt based core. It was inspired by the carapace of red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans. lay-up performed well, not only high flexural stiffness 2.33 GPa1/3 cm3/g, strength 9.46 MPa1/2 energy dissipation but also through less abrupt failure due an asymmetric orientation fibres in two face sheets. Combined mass-reduced core, this concept displays promising unconventional approach reduced, sustainable panels non-visible visible design elements vehicle.