Innovative Material Designed for Low Temperature Deployment (-40°C) for Side Airbags

Ductility at - 40°C Required by Car Manufacturers for Air Bag Covers
Air Bags are critical safety components in vehicles. They are required to be extremely reliable, operating exactly as intended when required under all conditions over the life of the vehicle.
Because of the introduction of in-chamber testing at -40°C, the low temperature ductility of the materials used for airbag cover is becoming one of the key properties specified by car manufacturers. At these very low temperatures, TPOs, SEBSs and even conventional TPEs become brittle and covers made of these materials will shatter upon deployment.

Easy Paintability & Soft Touch: A must for Automotive Interiors
The materials used for automotive interiors need to have attractive finish that blends in perfectly to the surrounding interior. Therefore, easy paintability and possibility to add a soft touch feel are highly desired material performances.

Arnitel® PM471 allows passing the strictest specifications and offers attractive design possibilities
Arnitel® PM471 COPE have been chosen for side air bag covers in AUDI A4 and Rolls-Royce Phantom.

With Arnitel® PM471 COPE, no splintering or crack initiation have been observed at –40°C, leading to a safer deployment of the side airbag and outperforming brittle TPOs and SEBSs or conventional COPEs.

Moreover, the attachment and hinge point is not necessary for COPEs because of the good strength at high temperature; whereas, this is necessary when using TPOs and SEBSs.

Another advantage of the Arnitel ® TPE PM471 is that it can be painted with water-based paints. This leads to less environmental pollution and a healthier working environment. A soft touch finish can be added for more luxurious feel.