

CFRP will also make the BMW i3 more lightweight with extra space








Source: Autoblog Green

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RE: Deforming
By Jeffk464 on 12/12/2013 3:11:28 PM , Rating: 2
I'm not convinced that carbon fiber is more environmental than aluminum. Aluminum is easily recyclable and is non toxic.

RE: Deforming
By Solandri on 12/12/2013 3:32:01 PM , Rating: 2
Aluminum takes a boatload of energy to refine. Its naturally occurring forms are at very low energy states, so you have to add a ton of energy to convert it back into elemental aluminum. That's the reason the Shuttle's solid rocket boosters used aluminum for fuel - it releases a whole lot of energy when oxidized.

Aluminum cans and aluminum foil are only stable because oxidation forms a thin airtight layer of aluminum oxide (aka corundum - same stuf as rubies and sapphires) which protects the remaining aluminum from oxidation.

So while the aluminum itself is environmentally friendly, making the aluminum is not.

RE: Deforming
By TheBlackbrrd on 12/12/2013 5:13:45 PM , Rating: 2
Making aluminium is environmentally unfriendly, but it's environmentally friendly to recycle, since there takes little energy to melt aluminium. It's one of the few materials that makes sense to recycle economically too.

RE: Deforming
By TheBlackbrrd on 12/12/2013 5:18:36 PM , Rating: 2
Regarding the energy required in the process, if it's in countries like Iceland or Norway that are mostly hydroelectric, it really doesn't matter that it takes a lot of energy.

On the other side, the refinement process prior to the melting process is anything but environmentally friendly. Aluminium is poisonous (until it's in it's pure form, when it's quite inert)

RE: Deforming
By ritualm on 12/12/2013 5:13:08 PM , Rating: 2
Aluminum requires LOTS of energy to produce. Elemental aluminum itself melts at 3600 degrees F, so refiners have to first convert bauxite ore into cryolite and then apply 1740-1800 degrees F of heat to get the metal out.

Ever wonder why most aluminum mills are situated next to major power generation installations? Because those mills will then have access to huge amounts of cheap electricity required to make the metal itself.

It's easily recyclable and non-toxic, but environmental friendly it is not.

RE: Deforming
By Jeffk464 on 12/12/2013 6:15:58 PM , Rating: 2
Interesting I wonder if the weight benefits of aluminum over steal pays for itself environmentally. One thing that's kind of mitigating factor is I believe the metal in cars is almost all recycled.

