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Scientists have developed a new super-strong fiber from the stems and leaves of fruits like pineapples, bananas, and coconuts. The fiber is so strong, it may be integrated into automotive plastics in as little as two years.
Scientists have developed a new fiber from fruits like pineapples and bananas that is almost as strong as Kevlar, the fiber used in bulletproof vests. The new fruity “nono-cellulose” fiber is so strong that researchers plan to use it to reinforce plastics like those used to make automobiles. The new fibers will help bring in an era of plastics that are stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly than those in use today, reports PhysOrg. Unfortunately, however, your new car probably won’t taste of citrus.
“The properties of these plastics are incredible,” said Alcides Leão, leader of the study, “They are light, but very strong — 30 per cent lighter and 3-to-4 times stronger. We believe that a lot of car parts, including dashboards, bumpers, side panels, will be made of nano-sized fruit fibers in the future. For one thing, they will help reduce the weight of cars and that will improve fuel economy.”
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