In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Ford is trying to replace the synthetic plastic in its car with a natural material produced from dandelions. Researchers at Ford and Ohio State University have found that the white substance present in the roots of Russian dandelion can be used to make a natural material that can act as an alternative to synthetic rubber. Furthermore, this material is durable as well as eco friendly.
Researchers have already started growing dandelions at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The species that have been grown is stronger than one we usually find growing in the gardens. Special care is being taken to grow these plants in greenhouses so that they could be tested to find out if they have the potential to replace synthetic rubber.
In order to conserve our ecosystem, Ford has already switched over to eco friendly products in many areas, such as soy foam seat cushions, wheat straw-filled plastic, recycled resins for underbody systems, recycled yarn on seat covers and natural-fiber plastic for interior components. If the test on dandelions yields positive results, Ford can stop the use of synthetic plastic as well. These efforts of Ford will surely help us in achieving a pollution-free environment.
Via: CNet
