MFC viewed via atomic force microscope. Source: Notley.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports that a Kyoto University research team has developed a material based on microfibrillar cellulose (MFC) that is as tough as metal, but much lighter. The team projects that the material could replace metals and oil-based plastics in a number of structural applications, including auto bodies.

Led by Professor Hiroyuki Yano, the team has begun collaborative R&D with Matsushita Electric Works Ltd. and auto-related manufacturers to develop ways of processing the material into complex shapes.