**Vehicle Materials Status**
Modified plastics play a significant role in the automotive industry, with their applications divided into several key categories. These include interior components such as instrument panels, dashboards, steering columns, door panels, and central control boxes; exterior parts like bumper assemblies, grilles, spoilers, and side moldings; structural elements such as front-end modules, seat frames, and radiator fans; under-hood components including hoods, camshaft covers, canisters, intake manifolds, and air filters; and electrical and electronic parts such as fuse boxes, junction boxes, and ignition coils.
In 2011, the use of modified plastics in automotive applications exceeded 160,000 tons, accounting for over 25% of the total modified plastics used in the industry. The types of modified plastics commonly used include polyolefins like modified polypropylene and modified polyethylene; engineering plastics and alloys such as ABS, AES, ASA, PC, PA, PBT, PET, PC/ABS, PC/PET, PC/PBT, and PA/ABS; glass fiber-reinforced materials like GF-PP, GF-PA6, GF-PA66, GF-PBT, and GF-PC; long fiber-reinforced materials such as LFT-PP, LFT-PA6, and LFT-PA66; and special engineering plastics like PPO, PPS, and PA-10T.
**New Technologies in Automotive Materials**
Lightweighting and environmental sustainability have become central goals in the automotive industry. The development direction of automotive materials is illustrated in Figure 1, highlighting the core focus on environmental protection, lightweight design, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The inner circle represents part-level requirements, while the outer circle reflects material-level demands. This shows how material properties and performance directly impact overall vehicle development. Below are key developments in automotive materials.
**1. Development of Thin-Wall Bumper Materials**
Thinning automotive parts offers three main benefits: reduced weight, shorter molding cycles that lower costs and improve efficiency, and decreased energy consumption. According to "Nikkei Automotive Technology," Mazda collaborated with Japan Polypropylene Co., Ltd. to develop new bumper materials for the CX-5 model. This innovation reduced the car's weight by approximately 20% and cut the forming cycle from around 60 seconds to 30 seconds, significantly lowering energy use.
Over the past decade, bumper wall thickness has gradually decreased from 4mm in the early 2000s to 2.8–3mm by 2010, with some new models now using 2mm. This requires advanced materials with high melt index, rigidity, and impact resistance, while still meeting collision test standards and processing requirements.
After two years of research, our company successfully developed ABP-2040, a specialized material for thin-walled bumpers, which was applied to a specific model. The physical properties of ABP-2040 are shown in the attached table.
**2. Development of Paint-Free Metallic-Luster Plastics**
To enhance the aesthetics and luxury of both interior and exterior trim, many parts are painted to achieve a metallic effect. However, traditional painting processes involve multiple steps, high VOC emissions, increased costs, and difficulties in recycling and rework. A paint-free alternative would offer advantages such as simpler injection molding, environmental friendliness, cost savings, and easier recyclability.
Blonde Technology has developed PMMA/ABS, ABS, and PP-based paint-free metallic-luster products after years of R&D. Figure 2 shows a PP sample with a metallic sheen, and a close-up image highlights the reflective light seen in black. This effect can also be achieved in other colors.
Figure 3 displays a commercialized product from 2012 that uses paint-free metallic-luster PP, achieving the same appearance as painted parts.
**3. High-Temperature Resistant Modified Nylon**
Modified nylon is widely used in automotive applications to replace steel. Blonde Technology developed PA66-G35 HS, a high-performance material designed for engine components. This material exhibits excellent long-term heat resistance.
Figure 4 illustrates the tensile strength of PA66-G35 HS and standard PA66-G35 at 180°C and 210°C over time. At 210°C, PA66-G35 HS maintains over 50% of its strength after 2,000 hours, while standard PA66-G35 loses nearly all mechanical properties. Even after 4,000 hours at 180°C, PA66-G35 HS retains most of its strength. This makes it ideal for engine-related parts and other high-temperature applications.
Air Compressor Fan Blades,Aluminum Fan Impeller,Aluminum Axial Fan Impeller,Aluminum Fan Wheels For Sprayer
Changzhou Keyleader Fan Technology Co. Ltd. , https://www.keyleaderfan.com