Testing and assessing new types of materials
The Dräxlmaier Group based in Vilsbiburg was founded in 1958 and supplies renowned automotive manufacturers with modern on-board power supply systems, exclusive interiors and electrical and electronic components. Dräxlmaier has 34,000 employees in 53 locations in 20 countries. The owner-run company's core competencies are that of a leading system supplier in the premium segment of the automotive industry and as a full service supplier it covers the whole process chain.
Renewable materials for the automotive sector
Sustainability and future viability are integral parts of the corporate philosophy. The company therefore opts for renewable raw materials, energy-efficient lightweight building technology and convincing high-volt and power management concepts for conventional and alternative drive systems. Use of natural fibre composites in car manufacturing has been increasing steadily for ten years and new application fields are being developed all the time. Different natural fibres are used for their production, which are processed with plastics to form composite materials. The use of natural fibres enables significant weight savings and improves acoustic insulation properties. In addition there is the aspect of sustainability: Renewable or regenerative raw materials replace fossil resources, which in times of growing climate and environmental problems are no longer the first choice.
Composites: natural fibre and plastic
The combination of natural fibre and plastic matrix also scores points when it comes to the safety of the vehicle occupants, because composite materials are characterised by high load-bearing capacity and crash stability. The surfaces of the biocomposites have until now frequently been covered with plastic film or leather. For vehicles with emphasised ecological character, for example, electric cars, visible natural components are developed, in which the ecologically advantageous natural fibre constituents are also visually recognisable. In the case of the natural fibre composite wood it is known that different wood species have large stability differences under environmental conditions. Birch and beechwood are rapidly decomposed by microorganisms. Larchwood and above all various tropical woods on the other hand are stable for a very long time, even under environmental conditions.
Analogous to the tests on the durability of wood, statements have to be made on the stability of industrially produced natural fibre composite for different areas of use.
The bifa environmental institute assists Dräxlmaier Systemtechnik GmbH with the testing and assessment of the durability of new types of natural fibre composites.
To this end, important microorganism species were identified which can destroy natural fibres. These are now used as test organisms for the assessment of measures to ensure the durability of natural fibre composites. Such tests require the use of environmental microbiology work techniques.
bifa has appropriately equipped microbiology laboratory rooms and has the necessary expertise in environmental microbiology and environmental toxicology.