As it continues its bid to make its vehicles more fuel efficient, Ford has decided to team with Dow Automotive Systems (logo, pictured) to look into the use of advanced carbon fibre composites.
The two have signed a joint development agreement that will see them collaborate in several areas. A development team will look at establishing an economical source for the carbon fibre; and will also attempt to develop component manufacturing methods for high volume production.
It is hoped that the partnership will take the best of Ford and combine it with the best from Dow Automotive: i.e. Ford’s experience in design, engineering and high volume vehicle production; and Dow’s strengths in research and development, high volume polymer processing and materials science.
In addition, Ford is said to be looking at a host of new materials, manufacturing techniques and design processes that could enable automotive structures to meet safety and quality standards while also reducing weight. This is seen as particularly crucial for improving the range of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
Carbon fibre composites actually have a long history of use in both racing cars and aerospace.
Now Ford hopes that carbon fibre components may appear in its vehicles during the latter part of the decade.
