Blending technology and natural materials is an age-old science fiction idea. But occasionally, something from sci-fi becomes a reality. Enter the flax fibre composites made by Bcomp.
Blending technology and natural materials is an age-old science fiction idea. But occasionally, something from sci-fi becomes a reality. Enter the flax fibre composites made by Bcomp.
Swiss company Bcomp is a “natural fibre composite innovator” that has been producing sustainable materials for various applications since 2011. What makes this a science-fiction-in-real-life story is that they originate from organic sources. Polestar partnered with Bcomp to make use of their game-changing composites.
One of the Bcomp materials used for Polestar Precept is ampliTex™. Made from woven flax fibres, it reduces vibrations and overall weight when used in the interior and acts as a visual layer. The fibres are processed mechanically instead of chemically, and flax is much less taxing on soil than other crops.
Another Bcomp innovation found in Polestar Precept is powerRibs™. Also made from flax and inspired by the vein structure of leaves, it forms a 3D structure on the back of exterior panels, drastically increasing their strength and stiffness. In consequence, the panels can be made thinner, cutting down both weight and material amount. Furthermore, powerRibs™ reduces vibrations by a staggering 250% and behaves better in crash situations when compared with more conventional materials.