LyondellBasell (LYB) has launched a new line of polyamide-based compounds, called Schulamid ET100.
The new grades are engineered with excellent melt flow characteristics, enabling easy injection moulding and demoulding of thin-wall complex parts like door window frames in the automotive industry. LYB said the polyamide compounds significantly reduce surface defects, stress marks, and floating fibres on the part surfaces.
The material has lower density than conventional structural materials in the automotive industry, allowing for lightweight construction which reduces the vehicle’s carbon emissions. It also eliminates the need for painting, consequently reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions associated with the painting process.
“We’re committed to improve the state of the current technologies to shape the future of automotive interior applications by introducing new solutions to support our customers in addressing the new industry challenges,” said Caroline Cathelin, global innovation director of advanced polymer solutions at LYB. “The Schulamid ET100 line exemplifies this dedication by delivering superior performance through differentiated solutions.”
The material is also available with various glass fibre reinforcement for suitable rigidity, allowing firm assembly and eliminating noise even when the car is running at high speeds.
LYB said that ‘renewed’ undisclosed Chinese original equipment manufacturers have already successfully put the Schulamid ET100 GF15 grade in window frames. The company plans to offer the product to line to more automakers and applications.
In an industry first, last year LYB launched a PP copolymer made from ocean plastics that can also be used in injection moulding for automotive applications.
LYB joins many other members of the plastics industry value chain accelerating the transition to a circular economy for automotive parts. Since the European Commission updated its Directive on end-of-life vehicles, setting a 25% recycled plastic mandate for vehicles placed on the market from July 2023, companies like Borealis, Covestro, or Mocom, or have increased their offering of recycled materials for the automotive industry.
Source: sustainableplastics.com
