Automotive - News

May 14, 2008 - Bayer MaterialScience as a Development Collaborator to the Global Auto Industry: Innovations for Production-Line Application

The success enjoyed by Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) in the automotive industry is based on its extensive product portfolio, its wide-ranging know-how in processes and technologies and, above all, its many years of experience in all aspects of vehicle production. "Our expertise is reflected in the numerous concept cars we have developed with our collaborators in the automotive industry, providing innovative and thought-provoking ideas for future car design. The most recent example is the 'i-mode,' the latest concept car from Hyundai. That was recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2008," says Dr. Klaus Zander, key account manager for Hyundai at BMS.
May 08, 2008 - BASF to Strengthen its Automotive Business in India

BASF announced its plans to expand its offerings for the automotive industry in India with investments in plants and technology. The company will build a new engineering plastics compounding plant at its existing site in Thane, which is expected to come on stream by the second half of 2009. As well as being used in the automotive industry, engineering plastics are also employed in the electrical and electronics industries, for example.
May 08, 2008 - 'Crispy Noodle' Chemistry Could Reduce Carbon Emissions

A new material developed in Manchester, which has a structure that resembles crispy noodles, could help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped out and drive the next generation of high-performance hydrogen cars.
May 08, 2008 - ExxonMobil Chemical's New Separator Films Help Speed the Progress of the Next Generation of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

ExxonMobil Chemical will introduce new co-extruded separator grades for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) in Tampa, Florida on 12-16th May , 2008. In addition, Pat Brant, chief polymer scientist, ExxonMobil Chemical, will present a technical paper titled: "ExxonMobil Co-extrusion Separator Technology Platform for HEV/EV LIB".
May 07, 2008 - Nissan Finds its Own path to Metal Replacement with DuPont High Performance Polymers

In the first development made by Nissan in Europe for metal replacement for under-bonnet applications, the Japanese car manufacturer uses DuPont™ Minlon® and DuPont™ Zytel® for the rocker cover and front cover respectively of its 2.5 litre turbo-diesel engine for the Pathfinder and Navara vehicles.
May 05, 2008 - Ashland's NEULON 480 Low-Profile Additive Technology Now Available in Europe

A significant improvement in external body finish is now possible for European automobile manufacturers using sheet molding compound (SMC). NEULON® 480 low-profile additive from Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc., outperforms previous formulations to deliver the next level of auto-body performance.
May 02, 2008 - Amerityre Initiates Commercial Production of Solid Polyurethane Elastomer Tires

Amerityre Corporation, a leading developer of polyurethane tire technologies and tire products, announced that it has initiated commercial production of solid polyurethane elastomer tires. After successful completion of a rigorous development program, Amerityre has been awarded the production business by Oxbo International Corporation to supply 15"x 13" solid polyurethane elastomer gage tires for use in farm implements employed in chopping or baling alfalfa or hay. Oxbo is a major manufacturer of specialized agricultural equipment and currently supplies products worldwide to more than 20 countries.
May 02, 2008 - Grivory HT3 - The Durable High-Performance Polyamide

Grivory HT3 is a new product line in the polyphthalamide (PPA) product range of EMS-GRIVORY. Its special polymer structure allows a completely new performance spectrum, unique in this material group, to be achieved.
May 02, 2008 - LyondellBasell to Showcase its World-Class Polyolefins Capabilities at Plastex in Brno, Czech Rep

LyondellBasell Industries, the new global leader in polymers, chemicals and fuels, will feature its world-class polyolefins technology, production and marketing offerings at Plastex 2008, the Czech Republic's premier trade fair for the plastics industry, to be held May 13 to 16 in Brno. The LyondellBasell exhibit will be located at PAV A1, Stand 057
Apr 30, 2008 - IDI Develops New Corrosion-Resistant Composite for Heavy Trucks

IDI Composites International, the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds, announces AV-206, a new corrosion-resistant, lightweight sheet molding compound (SMC).
Apr 30, 2008 - Ticona Unveils A New UV Weatherable RiteFlex® TPC-ET For Monofilaments Used In Interior and Exterior Products

Ticona Engineering Polymers introduces its new UV-stabilized Riteflex® thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC-ET) for monofilaments. It represents an ultraviolet (UV) and weathering solution for office furniture, auto interior, and outdoor productsthat must stand up to the harsh abuse of light and weathering.
Apr 28, 2008 - Ashland Buys New Trucks that Feature AROTRAN 720 Low-Density SMC Resin

Ashland Distribution, a division of Ashland Inc., recently took delivery of 40 new International TranStar1 Series regional haul tractors with a very special feature - engine hoods made from Ashland's own lighter-weight AROTRAN® 720 low-density sheet molding compound (SMC) resin.
Apr 28, 2008 - DSM Announces Opening of PA4T Market Development Plant

Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, announced the opening of the market development plant for PA4T, the new polymer for use in electronics and other applications.
Apr 25, 2008 - SABIC Innovative Plastics' Optimized Materials for Decorative Chrome Plating Let Auto OEMs Create Luxurious Looks with Ease

One of the hottest trends in automotive design is the resurgence of chrome in trim, door handles, and other decorative touches to impart a high-end, luxury look. At Chinaplas 2008, Stand #W2G31, SABIC Innovative Plastics is showcased breakthrough materials that have been optimized for chrome plating.
Apr 24, 2008 - DSM Arnitel® C TPE for Wire & Cable Offers Best High-Heat Aging Performance, Plus Halogen-Free Flame Retardance

DSM Engineering Plastics has announced a new addition to its Arnitel® line of copolyester thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that is designed to meet the stringent performance and compliance needs of today's automotive designers. Arnitel® C, a breakthrough technology for wire and cable coating, delivers the best high-heat aging performance of any TPE-E, combined with halogen-free flame retardance and hydrolysis resistance that surpasses that of other copolyester elastomers.
Apr 24, 2008 - Fenders Made with SABIC Innovative Plastics' Noryl GTX Resins Debut in China on Dongfeng Peugeot's First Car for China

Auto body panels molded from SABIC Innovative Plastics' high-tech Noryl GTX resins continue to augment their global market penetration as automakers from around the world increasingly seek the innovative, high-performance benefits the resins provide. For more than seven years, Peugeot has used Noryl GTX resins for fenders and other body panels in its French-made cars. Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobiles (DPCA) now uses Noryl GTX resin on the Dongfeng Peugeot 307 four-door sedan, its first model manufactured and sold exclusively in China, sporting front fenders made with Noryl GTX resin.
Apr 23, 2008 - Innovative, Sustainable Self Reinforced Plastics from Future Plas

Self-reinforced plastics are a new family of composite materials, where the polymer matrix is reinforced by highly oriented polymer fibres, usually derived from the same polymer. Self-reinforced plastics (SRPs) have enhanced strength and stiffness compared to unreinforced plastics and they have improved recyclability and reduced weight compared to glass fibre-reinforced plastics.
Apr 23, 2008 - SABIC Innovative Plastics Highlights Material Technologies Showcased at Auto China 2008

Showcasing the enormous potential of thermoplastic resins and composites for stunning yet pragmatic automotive design, SABIC Innovative Plastics is highlighting key solutions for lightweight glazing and body panels at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2008).
Apr 22, 2008 - DSM Engineering Plastics Enhances Their Wear Resistant Portfolio for Stanyl

DSM announced the launch of a new grade in Stanyl®. Stanyl, a high performance polyamide is used extensively for automotive applications where extreme wear resistance is required. The new grade named Stanyl TW272B6 is a special grade with very high stiffness and outstanding wear resistance suited ideally for taking very high loads during sliding and roller bearing applications.
Apr 22, 2008 - Ticona introduces new Hostaform® POM with a 50 percent improvement in impact resistance (and 100 percent improvement in weldline strength)

Ticona Engineering Polymers unveiled a next generation Hostaform acetal copolymer (POM) at Chinaplas 2008 that significantly improves impact resistance and weldline strength - without sacrificing other key properties - when compared with conventional POM copolymers. Ticona designed this POM copolymer to become the industry's impact modified material of choice.
Apr 21, 2008 - New Celstran® Grade for Extreme Temperatures

Ticona now has one more answer to increasing temperatures under the hood: Celstran PA66-GF50-02 HT. This new long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) has been specially developed for applications in air management and applications exposed to severe stress variations.
Apr 21, 2008 - Polymer Group, Inc. Expands Environmentally Friendly Acoustic Automotive Offerings

Based on the commercial success of its environmentally-friendly acoustic materials with major auto makers, Polymer Group, Inc. (PGI) (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA; POLGB) announced it is expanding the use of these substrates to other vehicle components.
Apr 18, 2008 - Diesel Filter with Celanex PBT Meltblown

Fully synthetic nonwovens and meltblowns based on Celanex® PBT in multi-layer filter media (composite filter papers) are providing enhanced reliability and help to protect modern automobile engines from organic and inorganic fuel contaminants. They meet the automotive industry's increased requirements for filter efficiency and service life. Choice of the right filter material plays an important role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of combustion engines.
Apr 18, 2008 - DSM Akulon® Ultraflow™, Now with Improved Surface Aesthetics

DSM Engineering Plastics have announced the introduction of Akulon® Ultraflow™ with added gloss. The new grades will have improved surface finish, even with glass fiber loadings as high as 60%.
Apr 18, 2008 - Latest Visual Effects for Thermoplastic Part Design REV Up Bayer MaterialScience's extensive Fantasia® Color and Special Effect Technology Offerings

An innovative color or special effect can turn an ordinary design into an extraordinary one. Designers know this, and so do the Fantasia® color and special effect technology experts at Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS). BMS is unveiling a stimulating new set of LEDA® compounded color technology visual effects that can help designers bring even the most imaginative product design into reality. LEDA effects are designed to complement BMS' Makrolon® polycarbonate resin.
Apr 18, 2008 - New Nano Additive from LANXESS Extends Tire Service Life

Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG has developed a new high-performance rubber additive - Nanoprene. This material additive for the rubber mixture of the tire tread significantly cuts wear in automobile tires. The much longer service life of the tire as a wearing part is easy on the wallet and the environment. Unlike with many new developments in the tire rubber sector, use of this additive to enhance wear resistance does not in any way impact on rolling resistance or wet grip.
Apr 17, 2008 - FIAT Selects LyondellBasell's High-Performance Hostacom PP for its New 500 "European Car of the Year"

LyondellBasell Industries' Hostacom polypropylene resins are being used to produce a range of components for FIAT's new 500/Cinquecento retro-chic city car, awarded 2008's "European Car of the Year".
Apr 17, 2008 - Innovative Solutions for Lighter Cars and Less Emissions

Intelligent lightweight construction helps cut vehicle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Polyamide 6 and 66 (PA 6 and PA 66) grades in particular offer great potential for reducing weight. This fact is demonstrated by a number of concepts - some already used in series applications - developed by the Semi-Crystalline Products business unit of LANXESS, often in cooperation with partners.
Apr 16, 2008 - Innovative Borealis Materials Achieve Eye-Catching Design for FIAT 500

High-performance materials from Borealis, a leading provider of innovative value creating plastics solutions, have helped FIAT to create a visually, highly-differentiated small car for drivers - the FIAT 500. The 2008 Car of the Year uses polypropylene-based Daplen™ thermoplastic olefins (TPO) from Borealis on its bumpers and dashboard to achieve the superior aesthetics and excellent performance of its parts that give the FIAT 500 the edge in the small car market.
Apr 16, 2008 - Innovative Rhodia Technologies Reduce Emissions and Vehicle Weight, Improve Fuel Economy for New Generation of Autos

Rhodia technologies for sustainable mobility contribute to lower automotive emissions, lighter vehicle weight and improved fuel economy-priority challenges for the newest generation of vehicles from Detroit and around the world.