The Nuon Solar team that used the car reinforced by TeXtreme has won the World Solar Challenge, a solar-powered car race that attracts teams around the world. In addition, teams supported by TeXtreme obtained several podium places.

The teams are using TeXtreme Spread Tow carbon reinforcements to reduce weight, improve stiffness and impact tolerance. They participated in different classes in the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge held from 18-25 October in the Australian outback.

Nuon Solar Team

Nuon Solar Team early took the lead in the prestigious Challenger Class and they held the number one position all the way to the finish. The total weight of their car, Nuna8, was 150kg and by that the lightest car in the whole competition.

The total amount of the composite parts of the car who’s using TeXtreme and has been developed in cooperation with DSM weighs in total 41kg, which is a reduction with 10kg from its predecessor.

Choosing the right reinforcements

In the Cruiser Class there where two solar cars on the podium reinforced by TeXtreme. Looking at the whole result list there were a number of teams participating using this unique carbon fibre fabrics and benefitting from the knowledge of the TeXtreme team in choosing the right reinforcements, the company reports.

“In overall all the teams and students have been very good at utilizing the unique benefits of TeXtreme Spread Tow carbon reinforcements and designing the composite parts balancing the mechanical properties and weight savings to get the optimal results on the car and in the race,” said Henrik Blycker, CEO of Oxeon AB.

“We are proud to have supported all these teams and been fortunate to work with so many talented young engineers - they do a fantastic work.”

TeXtreme technology

Alongside the use of TeXtreme in Solar cars, other users can be found in Formula 1, America’s Cup, NASCAR, Le Mans, Indy Car, bicycles, ice hockey, golf, tennis, surf boards, table tennis, rowing shells, canoes, skis, snowboards, as well as various industrial and advanced aerospace applications.

TeXtreme technology is flexible and tow-size independent, which is said to enable development of optimized reinforcement solutions tailor-made for specific application needs.

Utilization of TeXtreme Spread Tow carbon fabrics and carbon UD tapes by manufacturers of advanced aerospace, industrial and sports products confirms that 20-30% lighter composite parts can be produced with improved mechanical properties and superior surface smoothness.

www.textreme.com