Polymer matrix composite materials in automobile industries

It is noted that PMC application to automobiles has been gradually increasing for the last 20 years in Japan. However, as of 1992, it is estimated that PMCs represent less than 0.1 wt% of the component materials of mid-sized and compact-sized passenger cars in Japan, and these account for a large share of the domestic passenger car market. In order for PMCs to be applied to automobiles to a considerable extent, it is essential that the technologies for recycling, and cost reduction, and for producing materials with low specific gravity and high Young's modulus are created in the near future.