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Composite Materials Development for Transit Bus

The Southern Research Institute will conduct research and development activities to develop lighter weight, lower cost, higher performing materials for use in transit buses and other public transit applications. The objective of this research project is to develop thermoplastic composite materials and product forms, as well as fabrication methods for molding components from thermoplastic composite materials for use in buses and other public transit applications. In the course of the development of such materials, Southern Research Institute will document results of performance tests (durability, impact resistance, and fire safety) and analyze impacts on costs (manufacturing and life cycle costs). Light weight composite materials are low cost, high performance materials, providing greater body strength and greater vehicle life without corrosion, and less wear and tear on both the bus and infrastructure.