Polyolefin Replaces Too-Glossy Abs
Canadian Plastics
A U.S. safety standard for head impact protection which began its phase-in with 1999 models puts new demands in auto interior components. To meet the safety standard and DaimlerChrysler's appearance t...
A U.S. safety standard for head impact protection which began its phase-in with 1999 models puts new demands in auto interior components. To meet the safety standard and DaimlerChrysler’s appearance targets, the interior roof pillar covers of DaimlerChrysler’s 1999 Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde, LHS and 300M sedans were originally molded in low-gloss ABS.
When the ABS parts began to exhibit higher-than-specified gloss, the molder, Venture Industries, tested other ABS materials, TPOs and polypropylenes for the application.
Solvay’s SEQUEL engineered polyolefin was chosen. It matched the shrink of ABS and outperformed the resin in impact. Surface gloss was brought under control, and there were significant improvements in the molding process with the new material. With SEQUEL 2300, melt flow increased by a factor of 13, and colorant ratio also improved.
Solvay’s SEQUEL 2300 series combines a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) with high stiffness, making the resins particularly suited for automotive interiors.
Solvay Engineered Polymers 248/391-9500