Design for the Environment/Automobile Car Flooring

Project Information
Section 1 Group A23
 * Poya Rahmati
 * Mohammed (Viquar) Zia
 * Michael Li
 * Alizera Moeini

Alternative 1: Polylactic Acid
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a semi-synthetic polymer created from renewable natural resources. The starchy plants necessary for synthesizing PLA can be harvested continually, guaranteeing a continual supply of raw material. The primary advantages of PLA are its recyclability and biodegradability. After use it's use in car mats, polylactic acid potentially be reused for other applications. If this is not possible, exposure to a suitable environment promotes degradation into it's constituent compounds. Finally, PLA car mats can undergo combustion, releasing water and carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Alternative 1: Polylactic Acid
Polylactic acid exhibits multiple characteristics which support its use as a material for car mats. According to industry sources, it possesses good abrasion resistance, impact resistance and toughness. These properties indicate that PLA car mats will be able to withstand the daily physical rigours of an automobile floor. Impact forces from feet or cargo and shear forces from horizontal movement across the floor can be tolerated by PLA. Additionally, PLA is resistant to grease and oil, reducing the cleaning effort required when spills occur. Finally, PLA is resistant to heat and generally inflammable. When heated substances like cigarette lighters drop on the floor, PLA car mats will not ignite or deform significantly. Despite its biodegradability, polylactic acid is rigid and non-degradable when properly used.