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Teijin's OWL solar car bags second place in car race

30 Oct '15

2 min read

Teijin Group, a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare, has announced that OWL, an advanced solar-powered car developed by Kogakuin University using Teijin carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), finished in second place at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the world's largest solar car race, which was held in Australia from October 18 to 25, 2015.

Toho TenaxCo., Ltd., the core company of Teijin Group's carbon fibres and composites business, supplied the university with an ultra-lightweight fabric made with TENAX carbon fibre. The fabric, which is as thin as 0.06 mm, was developed by Toho Tenax together with Sakai Ovex Co., Ltd. in 2010. GH Craft Ltd., also a member of the Teijin Group, helped design and produce the car body.

The racing car's all-carbon-composite two-seater body made with TENAX features a highly aerodynamic design and weight of just 55kg, which was the lightest among all cars competing in the same class of the race. The body also offers the rigidity and strength to withstand endurance racing and ensure rider safety, according to a press release.

Teijin Group is also researching and developing thermoplastic CFRP at the Teijin Composites Innovation Center. Teijin markets thermoset and thermoplastic CFRP applications through its automotive business development group. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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