Concept Electric Car Uses Exotic Materials

Capable of 60 km/hour and a cruising range of 100 km, a very lightweight electric concept car from the Teijin Group's  uses proprietary materials and technologies including carbon fiber composites, polycarbonate resins and bio-derived polyester. Weighing only 437 kg, less than half that of conventional electric vehicles, the PU_PA EV (as in “pupa electric vehicle,” a reference to metamorphosis) embodies Teijin’s vision of what a vehicle will look like on the market in five to ten years. T he PU_PA EV offers the functionality and structural integrity of a practical automobile.

Weight Reduction

> Body incorporating a core structure made of carbon fiber composite material.

> Windows made of polycarbonate resin with a heat absorbing function weighing only half as much as glass.

> Modularized parts made with single-piece molding, etc., reducing total parts to about 20.

Biotechnology

> Interior items (seats, floor mats, etc.) made with bio-derived polyester.

Reduced Environmental Burden

> Metal-toned Teflex PET film, used as an alternative to chrome plating.

> Low-noise tire cord made with Teonex polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) fiber.

Electronics

> Multi-device communication using Cell Form two-dimensional communication sheet.

Going forward, Teijin will use its innovative concept car as a marketing tool to showcase the group’s environmentally responsive technologies and customer-oriented solutions.

The Mobility Business Project, a department overseen directly by the CEO, was established in April 2009 to support business expansion in the automobiles and aircraft sectors, focusing on the development of materials and technologies for lightweight, hybrid and electric vehicle designs. 

For more information, please visit www.teijin.co.jp/english
Sumber: http://www.ecnmag.com/news/2010/04/concept-electric-car-uses-exotic-materials

Materials Used to Make a Badminton Racket

Aluminum and Graphite

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  The badminton racket frame is normally made from lightweight, man-made metals such as graphite or aluminum. This is because most players believe that the lighter the racket, the more manageable and maneuverable it is. Lightweight rackets are also thought to move more quickly through the air and with more freedom, helping trace and hit fast-moving shuttlecocks. Other players, however, prefer a heavier racket because it provides more power and reduces shock. These rackets of differing weights are not made from different materials; the heavier racket is simply made with more graphite fiber. The standard weight of a badminton racket should be between 2.8oz (80g) and 3.5oz (100g).

Nylon

• Nylon is used to make the strings of a badminton racket. The synthetic material is cheap to produce but strong and long lasting. Nylon string sizes are designated by gauge number. The lower the gauge value, the thicker the string. Thicker nylon strings give control and durability but sacrifice power. Thinner synthetic strings provide power to a player's shots but are prone to wear, tear and breaking.

Natural Animal Gut

• Interestingly, some badminton players still prefer animal gut strings because they give rackets more feel, control and power. They also absorb shock and reduce vibration on the user's playing arm. Natural animal gut is costly, however, and doesn't last as long as other synthetic strings.

Cotton and Elastic

• Badminton towel grips are made from cotton and elastic. They can be bought to slip over the more common rubber racket grips and are used by professional players due to their perspiration-absorbing qualities. The cotton compounds in the grip absorb excess body moisture ensuring that a strong hand grip remains constant and gives the user more control and confidence in his stroke. Because grips are made from cotton compounds, the material can be dyed in various colors, allowing players to customize their rackets.

Sumber : http://www.ehow.com/list_7156569_materials-used-make-badminton-racket.html