The scientists from the State University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was managed to build a vehicle component using pineapple, banana,coconut and other tropical fruits. This new generation of plasticcomponents claimed stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics that exist today.
"The nature of plastic is incredible," said study leader AlcidesLeao in a statement quoted by Inside Line, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Previously, the research results presented at a meeting ofthe American Chemical Society on Sunday.
According to him, the fruit produces micro and even nano-sizedfibers. Called cellulose fibers can be processed into plastics that are 30 percent lighter, yet strong as Kevlar, the material used inarmor and bullet-proof vest.
With a light weight plastic, he said, will help improve fuel economy.The use of fruit fiber material is also environmentally friendly because it is not derived from crude oil.
In addition, the plastic of fruits have a greater resistance to damage by heat and gasoline spills. "We have tested thenano-cellulose plastics, "he said.
Leao predict consumers will see the use of plastic fiber fruits on the vehicle within the next two years.
The team make a nano fiber by including fruits raw material into atool similar to a pressure pot. They then add chemicals and thenproduce material that resembles a fine powder.
"This process is expensive, but it only takes one pound ofnano-cellulose to produce 100 kg of super-strong lightweightplastic," he said.
