Advanced technology experts YCOM and Swiss composites company Bcomp have collaborated and successfully crashed tested a front-impact absorbing structure (FIAS) made of sustainable natural fibres.
The test was conducted at an FIA-approved facility at the Polytechnic University of Milan and could now pave the way for the material to be used in motorsport whilst having a benefit for the environment.
Racing cars have been composed of various materials through history, including tubular frames, magnesium, titanium to carbon fibre, which was first introduced into Formula 1 in 1981 on McLaren’s MP4/1.
Carbon fibre is now the industry standard on all modern racing machinery around the world.
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The natural fibre crash structure proved to have the same desired effects as carbon fibre but without the negative effect of the sharp splinters, the debris of which is known to present the risk of punctures.
Waste natural fibre material could also provide abilities in thermal energy recovery.
The FIAS concept design is currently 40 per cent heavier than its carbon fibre counterpart but has already shown a 50 per cent Carbon Dioxide reduction in its composite construction
“This innovation offers new and existing racing series the opportunity to take sustainability to a whole new level,” said Johann Wacht, Motorsports manager at Bcomp.
“Together with YCOM we have proven that the use of natural fibres is not limited to bodywork. In the right application, it is a viable alternative for structural parts.
“By using sustainable composite materials instead of carbon fibre, we can significantly improve the CO2 footprint of high-performance parts and reduce the amount of carbon fibre that goes to landfills.
“As YCOM has shown, you can do this without compromising safety – actually, without sharp debris, safety can even be improved.
“By combining our sustainable technologies with the exceptional expert knowledge of YCOM we have shown that natural fibres have the potential to be used for structural parts as well as bodywork.”
Mario Saccone, YCOM co-founder added: “We are really happy to collaborate with Bcomp in this development. Motorsport is a forge for new technology development. This must be done fast and without any risk of error.
“YCOM has the right experience to embark on complex R&D projects, with the flexibility of the motorsport approach to accelerate product development.”
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