Corn for car interiors.Honda has developed a new "bio-fabric" that uses PPT (polypropylene polypropylene (pŏl'ēprō`pəlēn), plastic noted for its light weight, being less dense than water; it is a polymer of propylene. It resists moisture, oils, and solvents. terephthalate Ter`eph´tha`late n. 1. (Chem.) A salt of terephthalic acid. ) as its base material. This plant-based fabric--the PPT is produced through the polymerization polymerization Any process in which monomers combine chemically to produce a polymer. The monomer molecules—which in the polymer usually number from at least 100 to many thousands—may or may not all be the same. of propanediol, which is made from corn--is claimed to be both durable and resistant to sunlight, which means it is suitable for use in vehicle interiors. The expected uses are seat covers, door panels, headliners, and floor mats. Honda's next fuel-cell vehicle--expected within the next three years--will be the first to use the bio-fabric. Honda hopes to expand its use into regular production from 2009, a timetable helped by the fact that the bio-fabric does not require any changes in the fabric production process. Honda estimate the use of this material will reduce energy used during the production process by 10% to 15%. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From 2009, models like this Honda Fit The Honda Fit is a five-door hatchback automobile produced by Honda of Japan, that was first introduced in June 2001. The vehicle is known as the Fit in Japan, China, and in both North and South America. may be using a multi-thread polyester bio-fabric that offsets the C[O.sub.2] produced during its incineration incineration the act of burning to ashes. at the disposal stage with the absorption that occurs during its growth phase. |
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