DENSO today announced that it is using bio-polycarbonate (PC) made from starch and urethane resin extracted from castor oil in some of its products. Starch-derived bio-PCs have higher surface hardness, better optical characteristics, and superior hydrolytic stability than conventional petroleum-derived PCs. Moreover, they refract less light, exhibit better color-forming properties, and thus do not need to be painted before being used. DENSO’s starch-derived bio-PC, which provides high hardness, yet can be shaped into complex designs, is being used to make plastic bezels for Toyota’s genuine car navigation systems. DENSO has been conducting research and development on plant-derived plastic materials, which are based on plant molecular structures, in order to reduce impacts on the environment.
Castor oil, a vegetable oil extracted from castor beans, is used as a material in paints, waxes, and other products. DENSO has developed a highly heat-resistant urethane resin based on the molecular structure of castor oil and used it as a protector for connectors in automotive exhaust gas sensors. In 2009, DENSO and DuPont jointly developed and commercialized a radiator tank made from a material extracted from castor oil and have been increasing the number of vehicle models that use the product. In 2016, DENSO established DENSO ECO VISION 2025, an action plan to help build a sustainable community and society toward 2050.
