TPO and PP are moving into new automotive applications with severe weathering requirements. Selecting the right stabilizer system gives you a real competitive advantage in many automotive applications like bumper fascia, exterior trim, instrument panel structures, instrument and door panel skins, and interior trim.

Outstanding weathering performance
Without the right stabilizer system, PP and TPO automotive parts undergo degradation when exposed to light or heat which leads to visible consequences including changes in color and gloss, as well as loss of mechanical properties.

• Need to use a broad palette of colors (other than the standard gray or black) for your exterior applications?
• Need to meet more severe weatherability requirements?

Ciba has developed an innovative solution to stabilize PP and TPO automotive parts which specifically meets automotive applications challenges. This new stabilizing system should be the solution for all your colored or non-colored TPO applications.

Meet more severe requirements for black PP & TPO automotive parts
As shown in the following chart, a black, talc-filled TPO can be stabilized to meet current exterior automotive requirements* using a conventional light stabilization system. However, it is likely that future OEM specifications will require longer exposures in order to bring requirements for molded-in-color plastics more in line with those for automotive coatings (typically requiring 4500 kJ/m2 exposure). Ciba helps meet this challenge with its new technology.

This chart compares the efficacy of the new stabilization system to a conventional one. Color change in a black TPO fascia grade during weathering (SAE J1960*) is shown. Both formulations are able to meet current exterior requirements (DE < 3 after 2500 kJ/m2. However, even at reduced loading, the formulation with this new Ciba technology shows superior weatherability after 5000 kJ/m2 exposure.

* For automotive exterior applications: E<3 after 2500 kJ/m2 exposure in a xenon arc weatherometer per SAE J1960

Stabilization of colored PP & TPO automotive parts
The picture below clearly shows that compared to the shown conventional light stabilizers, This newly launched technology provides superior light stability in colored PP & TPO parts.

Light stability of TPO (PP/EPDM) Sample 0.05% Calcium Stearate + 15% Talc Pigmentation 0.25% Red Pigment 177 Exposure: Atlas Weather-Ometer Ci65 SAE J 1960

Thanks to this new stabilization system, you can avoid painting PP and TPO parts AND choose the exact color that matches your design needs while meeting OEM high weatherability requirements.