Teijin Materials and Technologies to Support World Solar Challenge, Anticipating Increased Future Demand for EVs

Teijin Aramid B.V., the core company of the Teijin Group's aramid business, announced today that its para-aramid fiber TwaronR will be deployed in the solar-powered vehicles being developed by the KU Leuven and University of Michigan teams taking part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the world’s biggest solar car racing event, taking place in Australia from October 8 to 15.

By Ginu Joseph Last updated May 3, 2018

Teijin Aramid B.V., the core company of the Teijin Group’s aramid business, announced today that its para-aramid fiber TwaronR will be deployed in the solar-powered vehicles being developed by the KU Leuven and University of Michigan teams taking part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the world’s biggest solar car racing event, taking place in Australia from October 8 to 15.

Taking advantage of its advanced materials and processing technologies, the Teijin Group intends to further strengthen its ability to deliver innovative technological solutions in fields such as weight reduction and battery efficiency. It plans to do this in order to meet the expected growth in worldwide demand for electric vehicles (EV) leading up to the year 2040, by which time these are expected to become the default mode of transportation.

The KU Leuven team is using TwaronR-based parts above the tracking box and in the driver safety canopy to allow the vehicle to send and receive electromagnetic signals, enabling more precise communication and the monitoring of signal transceivers. The University of Michigan team is using TwaronR to reinforce the undercarriage of their vehicle, utilizing the material’s superior abrasion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. Toho Tenax America, the Teijin Group’s US-based carbon fiber business, will be providing its TenaxR carbon fiber to both teams.

In Japan, the Teijin Group supplies advanced high-performance materials and technologies to the Kogakuin University Solar Team; it also provides them with technical support in the areas of structural design, molding and on-the-spot backup during races. Ultra-lightweight fabric made with TenaxR carbon fiber, PanliteR polycarbonate (PC) resin and TechnoraR para-aramid fiber prepreg are used to reduce the vehicle’s body weight. V-LapTM nonwoven polyester fabric used for seat cushions contributes to vehicle weight reduction as well as improving overall driver comfort. SolotexR polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) fiber is incorporated into the team’s uniforms providing excellent comfort and a close fit in what are often harsh race environments. NanofrontR ultra-fine polyester fiber is used in the team’s driving gloves, improving steering wheel grip.

A bi-annual event, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge was inaugurated in 1987, and this year’s race will be the 14th in the series. It is the world’s leading solar car racing event, regularly showcasing advanced, innovative solar power technologies.