Changes in travel methods, especially the introduction of a large number of new energy vehicles, bring more opportunities for the development of thermoplastics. For LANXESS, this is also a new development opportunity. At the recent "Automotive Engineering Plastics "VDI conference, LANXESS focused on its latest products and technical solutions, such as hollow profile hybrid technology, a new thermal stability system to create ultra-thermal stability PA 66 and continuous fiber reinforced Tepex composites.

" The rapid development of technologies such as autonomous driving, the electrification of drivetrains and intelligent logistics will dramatically change the way people travel in the future, which is also an important driving force for the development of Lanxess polyamide, polyester and thermoplastic composites." Dr. Martin Wanders, Global Head of Application Development at LANXess's Performance Materials Division, explains, "Our current research and development focus is on materials and technologies for lightweight structures, polyamides for heat dissipation and flame retardant and polyesters for thermally-stressed electrical and electronic components, as well as polyamides with high thermal stability."

Hollow profile instead of sheet metal

The new "hollow profile hybrid technology" is a highlight for LANXESS. It is an updated version of the traditional plastic/metal hybrid technology used in the mass production of automobiles. In conjunction with PA 6(polyamide) injection molding, hollow metal profiles with round or square cross sections are used instead of sheet metal. The dimensions of the hollow profiles are stable and significantly increase the torsional stiffness and strength of the hybrid components. At the same time, the material has great application potential in structural components such as cross beams. However, with conventional hybrid technology, these components cannot be guaranteed to be flexible enough, "says Martin Wanders, explaining the market application of this new technology. Compared to traditional plastic/metal mixing techniques, the new process also offers advantages to injection molding manufacturers, for example, it requires a lower investment in machinery and tools, and the cycle time is as short as standard injection molding. Around the future application of this new technology, LANXESS made further elaboration at the VDI conference, which got many participants to stop and watch.

PA 66 thermal stability up to 230 бу C

XTS2 Thermal stability (extreme temperature stability) technology increases the thermal stability of PA 66 to 230 бу C. Martin Wanders says: "Important mechanical properties, even at a constant temperature of 230 бу C. — For example, the tensile modulus, fracture stress or impact strength can also be maintained at a high level." Unlike other thermal stabilization schemes, the system does not experience thermal stability differences between 160 бу C and 230 бу C. It is reported that the XTS2 material is mainly aimed at vehicles with high efficiency internal combustion engines, and the first in its portfolio is the PA 6 filled with 35% glass fiber reinforced material, which will be sold under the Durethan AKV35XTS2 name and is ideal for the production of components such as intake manifels with integrated intercoolers. It was revealed that LANXess is currently working on another 30% fiberglass reinforced PA 66 as well as the enhanced PA 66, which can be used in blow molded hollow-parts such as air ducts in the engine compartment.

Composites with electromagnetic shielding properties

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites from the Tepex brand range are another highlight for LANXESS. These materials are becoming increasingly important for lightweight vehicle designs and are increasingly being used in series production. — Examples include front end mounting parts and bumper beams, brake pedals, full load loading systems and fuel tank enhancements. Henrik Plaggenborg, Head of Marketing and Commercial Development for Applied Technologies at Tepex Automotive Group, explains: "We anticipate that these materials have great potential in the production of battery-protected vehicle chassis and highly integrated, multi-position seats for autonomous vehicles. "The composite materials currently being developed by LANXess with electromagnetic shielding properties are particularly suitable for drivetrain components in electric vehicles."

Focus on electric mobility

New modes of mobility bring more opportunities for the development of thermoplastics. Lanxess believes that its advanced plastic products and technologies have broad application prospects in charging systems and battery holders for battery systems, sensors and housings for electric motors, and infrastructure for electric vehicles, such as public charging stations. "Polyesters and polyamides offer the best performance for the production of connectors and components for displays and control units in autonomous vehicles," said Dr. Anika van Aaken, New Mobility Project Manager at LANXess's Performance Materials Business Unit. In addition, the intermediate electric vehicle bracket made of flame retardant PA 6 and the connector shell made of 45% glass fiber reinforced, halogen-free and easy to flow PA 6 on display at the same time also fully demonstrated LANXESS's efforts and attempts to focus on future mobility.

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