The world's first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibers, suitable for use in vehicle interiors, was developed by Mazda in collaboration with Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. Both companies are based in the Chugoku/Shikoku area, Mazda's home region.
This biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the qualities and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers. Resistant to abrasion and damage from sunlight, in addition to being flame retardant, the new biofabric meets the highest quality standards. Based on this biotechnology, Mazda will strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials in consideration of the impact such technologies have on food supplies.
Mazda is using its biofabric for the seat covers and door trim in the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid.
- Suitability for seat covers
Mazda's biofabric uses a new polylactic acid*1—which was created during development of Mazda's bioplastic—as a crystallization agent to control the entire molecular architecture of raw resins to form a "tereocomplex structure*2." The technique was used to improve fiber strength until the fabric attained sufficient resistance to abrasion and light damage for practical use in vehicle seat covers.
The technology enables the production of fibers made from 100 percent plant-derived polylactic acid which are well-suited for automobile applications. Other crucial qualities necessary for the highest performing fabrics, such as fire retardant properties, were achieved through Mazda's accumulated experience in surface processing technologies built up through years of cooperation with several partner companies.
*1:A plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars.
*2:A strong crystalline structure made by blending the L and D enantiomers of polylactic acid.