“Trees that are removed during forest restoration projects could find their way into car bumpers and fenders as part of a study led by Srikanth Pilla of Clemson University.”
Source: newsstand.clemson.edu
Lumber Bumpers
Not only is it fun to say, but it could be a way for U.S. car manufacturers to meet potential automotive recycling regulations in the future. Researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina are looking at how turning trees into something called cellulosic nanomaterial can help make auto parts such as bumpers and fenders.
Cellulosic Nanomaterials: What?
The nanomaterials made from trees are liquid-suspended rod-like structures 20K smaller than the width of a human hair. The teeny tiny structures could become a composite material that would be super strong and biorenewable.
Can wood be stronger than steel?
When used to make exterior car parts, this tree-based material could be less likely to bend or break in an accident.
Check out the link above to see how researchers are planting the way to a more renewable future with lumber.
