SUSTAINABLE LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION.

Bcomp’s ampliTex and powerRibs flax fibre solutions can be found throughout the interior on the dashboard and centre console, as well as on bodywork components such as the hood, front splitter, doors, trunk, and rear wing. Aside from the roof, there are almost no carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components that were not replaced by the renewable high-performance flax materials.

Inspired by leaf veins, the powerRibs reinforcement technology developed by Bcomp maximises stiffness with minimal weight by creating a 3D structure on one side of a thin-walled shell element. This enables a decrease in the amount of base material used, thereby reducing weight, costs and consumables in production. The ampliTex reinforcements add a visible layer of flax fibres as a carbon-neutral replacement for the conventional covering material.

Combining the two materials makes it possible to cut the amount of plastic used for interior panelling by up to 70 per cent and at the same time to lower CO2 emissions by as much as 60 per cent. The result is more sustainable vehicle components, whose failure mode without sharp debris and splinters has the additional benefit of increasing safety over traditional composites. The natural fibre composites will also find their way into the BMW M Performance Parts.

Employing renewable raw materials and natural fibres such as hemp, kenaf or flax minimises material usage while also achieving a weight reduction of up to 50 per cent over conventional materials. This in turn helps to lower the energy consumption of the vehicles in which they are used. What is more, the natural materials bring down the calculated CO2 figure, as their original plants have absorbed CO2 while growing and released oxygen.

Furthermore, BMW i Ventures, the premium carmaker’s venture capital firm, is investing in the Swiss cleantech company. Plus, BMW Group Research and Bcomp are also setting up a development collaboration with the aim of using a higher proportion of renewable raw materials for components in future vehicle models.