AHC/WI: Widespread Use of Plastic Automobile Panels

Orville_third said:
Rubber isn't recycled enough- though there is also a demand (small, but sizable) for rubber mixed with asphalt.
I knew about the asphalt use. I was thinking of the (sometimes enormous:eek:) piles of discarded tires across NAm...
 

WILDGEESE

Gone Fishin'
How about GRAPHENE?

I don't know the cost of Carbon powder in relation to plastic or steel.

Also don't know much about it's ease of production, could you produce the Graphene using a 3-D printer?

Just a thought.

Regards filer
 
How about GRAPHENE?

I don't know the cost of Carbon powder in relation to plastic or steel.

Also don't know much about it's ease of production, could you produce the Graphene using a 3-D printer?
AIUI, carbon fibre is dreadfully expensive, way to much for a high-volume car.

Using 3-D printing with other materials, tho, is a very interesting option.:cool::cool: I'm picturing making (frex) doors in 2 or 3 pieces: inner & outer shells, & stiffeners, bonded by epoxy on the assembly line.
 

Delta Force

Banned
How would plastic panels fare for vehicles used in more arduous conditions, such as trucks, off-road vehicles, and unarmored military transport and utility vehicles?
 
that is the problem with many plastics, they are not really 'plastic' by themselves, they need to use chemical plasticizers, stuff like phthalate.
these compounds tend to seep out , making the plastics more brittle.
and then there is of course the influence of UV and ozone on plastics.

and to get back to an earlier question, no need for oilbased plastics, can also use plastics that are made with natural compounds, and reinforced with hemp fiber.
a good example is PLA plastic (poly lactic acid), which is even biodegradable
 
wietze said:
and to get back to an earlier question, no need for oilbased plastics, can also use plastics that are made with natural compounds, and reinforced with hemp fiber.
a good example is PLA plastic (poly lactic acid), which is even biodegradable
You start from a process much like making linoleum, don't you? Only it comes out thicker & harder. (What's the process called for making baseball bats out of "sawdust"?:confused: I can't think of it.:eek::eek:)
 
Top