BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, has teamed with UT-led IACMI-The Composites Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop the next generation of auto panels and materials.
The general concept is to use thermoplastic resins and carbon fibers to revolutionize how panels are made.
“Integrating discontinuous recycled carbon fibers into automotive Class A surface finishes is a significant opportunity in the composites field,”said Uday Vaidya, IACMI’s Chief Technology Officer and the joint UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair in Advanced Composites Manufacturing.
Vaidya, whose UT appointment is in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, went on to say the advancement would result in lighter, more durable, less expensive parts.
The full release can be seen at IACMI