Ford announces new collaboration to develop innovations in carbon fibre

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant new collaboration to develop manufacturing innovations in automotive-grade carbon fibre for use in future products. Ford and DowAksa are accelerating joint research to develop high-volume manufacturing techniques - aiming to make vehicles lighter for greater fuel efficiency, performance and capability.

The companies will be part of the newly formed Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, created by the U.S. government. The institute is part of the larger National Network for Manufacturing Innovation supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The mission of the institute and the goal of Ford's collaboration with DowAksa - a 50/50 joint venture between The Dow Chemical Company and Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.S. - is to overcome the high cost and limited availability of carbon fibre, while developing a viable, high-volume manufacturing process.

Carbon fibre composites have been used in aircraft and racing cars for decades because they provide high strength with extremely low weight. It is possible to tailor strength properties to a specific component - making it as stiff or flexible as needed for a given application.

Last month, Ford revealed the all new Ford GT supercar that makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and aluminium - enabling outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

Ford and DowAksa also are working together to reduce the energy needed to produce carbon fibre components, cut the cost of raw materials and develop recycling processes.