Lotte Chemical Corp. (Seoul, Korea) is applying its carbon fiber-reinforced composites technology and eco-friendly materials in Hyundai’s Intrado concept car unveiled on March 4th at the Geneva Motor show.

Hyundai concept car touts green, lightweight credentials.Jointly with Hyundai Motor, Lotte has developed super-light carbon fiber-reinforced composites for the main frame, a key factor in weight reduction. The carbon fiber composites have also been applied to other key components such as the roof and door side panels, and have helped achieve a 60% weight saving compared with traditional vehicles.

In the case of the door side panel, the use of Supran injection-moldable LCFT resulted in a 40% weight reduction compared with steel, and a 20% reduction in the number of assembly steps.

Through its unique structure, the thermoset composite main frame has strength equivalent to steel. Further, the central beam, running the length of the Intrado employs the same Lotte material. These components are manufactured using high-pressure resin transfer molding (RTM). These thermoset materials are also used in the roof and side panels

In addition, the headlamp housing uses a bio-based resin (Bio Polycarbonate). Lotte also offers a bio-based polyester (PET) derived approximately 30% from natural resources. Papet Bio reportedly boasts excellent processability and optical clarity. High stress crack resistance/toughness and good thermal stability are also touted as advantages. The material is employed in the interior fabric for this concept car.

Lotte is scheduled to exhibit the Intrado concept car 23-26 April at Chinaplas 2014 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (stand N2E41).