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Teijin to support Kogakuin University to make solar car

28 Jul '15

2 min read

The Teijin Group announced that Toho Tenax Co.Ltd, the core company of the group's carbon fibres and composites business, and GH Craft Ltd., also a member of the Teijin Group, are supporting Kogakuin University in developing an advanced solar-powered car made with carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The vehicle will be entered in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the world's biggest solar car race, which will take place in Australia from October 18 to 25, 2015.

The Teijin Group supplied the university with ultra-lightweight fabric made with Tenax carbon fibre, which was used to design and fabricate the racing vehicle's 2-seater body. GH Craft has been involved from the concept stage in developing the all-carbon composite body. Tenax ultra-lightweight fabric enabled the bodyweight to be reduced by 55kg, but still ensures practicality and safety, as well as the tensile modulus (rigidity) and tenacity (strength) needed to withstand endurance racing, according to a press release.

Toho Tenax, together with Sakai Ovex Co.Ltd, developed an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre fabric as thin as 0.06 mm in 2010. The CFRP produced with this material was used to fabricate the car body.

GH Craft, founded in 1972, is engaged in all stages of composite structure fabrication, including design, moulding, and structural evaluation. It is a leader in developing CFRP composite structures for transportation, including in the automotive, marine, rail and aerospace industries, as well as wind power generation equipment in the energy field. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India