Automakers have the opportunity to utilize bio-based composite materials to lightweight cars while replacing conventional, nonrenewable resource materials. In this study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to understand the potential benefits and tradeoffs associated with the implementation of bio-based composite materials in automotive component production. This cradle-to-grave approach quantifies the fiber and resin production as well as material processing, use, and end of life for both a conventional glass-reinforced polypropylene component as well as a cellulose-reinforced polypropylene component. The comparison is calculated for an exterior component on a high performance vehicle. The life cycle primary energy consumption and global warming potential (GWP) are evaluated. Reduced GWP associated with the alternative component are due to the use of biomass as process energy and carbon sequestration, in addition to the alternative material component's lightweighting effect. Sensitivity analyses exploring both the effect of the automobile's lifetime as well as material sourcing is explored.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    A Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites in Automotive Applications


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    SAE 2014 World Congress & Exhibition ; 2014



    Publication date :

    2014-04-01




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    A Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites in Automotive Applications

    Boland, C. / DeKleine, R. / Moorthy, A. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2014


    Automotive Applications of Natural Fiber Composites

    Schuh, T. / Gayer, U. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    Life cycle energy analysis of fiber-reinforced composites

    Song, Young S. / Youn, Jae R. / Gutowski, Timothy G. | Tema Archive | 2009



    Modifying automotive life-cycle assessment

    British Library Online Contents | 1998