OWL, an advanced solar-powered car developed by Kogakuin University using Teijin carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), has finished in second place at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the world’s largest solar car race, which was held in Australia from October 18-25.

Toho Tenax, the core company of Teijin Group’s carbon fibres and composites business, supplied the university with an ultra-lightweight fabric made with Tenax carbon fibre.

The fabric, which is as thin as 0.06 mm, was developed by Toho Tenax together with Sakai Ovex in 2010. GH Craft, also a member of the Teijin Group, helped to design and produce the car body.

 Offering rigidity and strength

The race car’s all-carbon-composite two-seater body made with Tenax features a highly aerodynamic design and weight of just 55kg, which was the lightest among all cars competing in the same class of the race, the company reports. The body also offers the rigidity and strength to withstand endurance racing and ensure rider safety.

Teijin Group is also researching and developing thermoplastic CFRP at the Teijin Composites Innovation Center. The company markets thermoset and thermoplastic CFRP applications through its Automotive Business Development Group.

 Going forward, Teijin will continue to develop advanced CFRP solutions for automotive purposes, one of many ways the company is strengthening its position as a global leader in carbon fibre and composites.

Teijin Group

Teijin is a technology-driven group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare.

Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibres such as aramid, carbon fibres and composites, healthcare, films, resin and plastic processing, polyester fibres, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 16,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide.

www.teijin.com