Plastics Replace Steel To Further Expand The Range Of Lightweight Applications

Because of its light weight, non-conductivity, impact resistance and corrosion resistance, composite materials and engineering plastics are increasingly used in automobiles. Especially because of the outstanding performance in the lightweight of automobiles, the application field is expanding.

Covestro polycarbonate creates a panoramic sunroof

At the 2018 Asian Lightweight Show in July this year, the concept car exhibited at the Covestro booth was made of polycarbonate. According to Zhang Hao, senior manager of the Asia-Pacific region of the automotive industry market in the Covestro polycarbonate business unit, “Transparent polycarbonate can replace the common structure of windows, door posts and roofs to achieve an integrated transparent panoramic sunroof. If the material is considered by the car design, it can be reduced by up to 50% compared to ordinary mineral glass when used in skylights, side windows, and tail windows.”

Dow developed a new carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) for the Audi A8 rear enclosure structure

VORAFORCETM epoxy resin can be injected into carbon fiber preforms through a resin transfer molding process. Due to its ultra-low viscosity, the resin can effectively integrate components, making the manufacture of large and complex parts possible. In addition, the resin cures in less than 2 minutes and contains a release agent to provide excellent release capability, ensuring large-scale production. VORAFORCE epoxy composite system. It is also suitable for mass transfer of resin transfer molding (RTM) or wet molding. Designed to meet stringent temperature requirements in assembly or vehicle use.

BETAFORCETM composite structural adhesives provide superior torsional stiffness and impact properties for structural assembly and component mounting to body structures to help maintain component integrity.

The new Audi A8 uses a CFRP rear wall structure, which reduces the weight of the structure by 50% and the torsional stiffness by 24% compared with the previous generation, thereby improving the safety and crash resistance of the car and reducing noise and vibration. Optimized driving and handling experience while extending car life by increasing durability.

 

Leave a Reply