Biobased materials in bases for Roof Boxes

Purpose and goal: ** Denna text är maskinöversatt **

The goal of the project was to find, through research, materials and processes that reduce the CO2 footprint by 50% or more, corresponding to today´s construction in ABS. This is for the bases of the ceiling boxes. A certain amount of recycled material is used in production today (MAX 30%). Three proposals have been examined in detail, all of which reach the set goal. They are also largely, but not entirely, related to the process that Thule has in production today, Thermoforming.

Expected results and effects:

1: ABS sandwich with natural cork in the core. Challenge with different melting temperatures between glue and ABS and the need for press instead of thermoforming of the final product.

2: ABS sandwich with hemp in the core. Bonds well and has excellent mechanical properties. Challenge in cost and the process requires compression molding of the final product.

3: Evaluating Grades of Recycled ABS and Impact on Mechanical Properties. The result shows limited impact on the properties up to 100% recycling rate. Recycled material can be combined with options 1 and 2 for further reduction of CO2. Approach and implementation: ** Denna text är maskinöversatt **

1. Idea generation and research of alternative materials and processes, with a focus on: a. Natural materials b. Recycled materials 2. Evaluation cost and processability 3. Production of materials for testing, (flat materials main focus) on selected materials. 4. Evaluation and analysis of results.