Two automotive components using DuPont Engineering Polymers have won accolades at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division's "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" awards in recently held ceremony in Livonia, Michigan.
Daimler was given top honours in the powertrain/chassis category for the world's first commercial-volume polymer oil pan module, which was developed with Bruss and DuPont Automotive using DuPont™ Zytel® nylon. The oil pan for Daimler's new 4-cylinder diesel engine (OM651), which powers Mercedes-Benz C Class vehicles, consists of a die-cast aluminum upper shell and a multifunctional lower shell, reducing overall weight by a significant 1.1 kilograms (vs. an all-aluminum design) for fuel savings and lower CO2 emissions.
Further, Ford was named finalist in the same category for an innovative "capless" fuel filler system for the 2008 Ford Flex, Escape, F150, Expedition and Lincoln MKS vehicles, which was developed with Martinrea and DuPont Automotive using DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA. The Ford "capless" fuel filler system is consumer friendly and is compatible with biofuels and supports the compliance of Ford's vehicles to all California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV II or PZEV) requirements. Importantly, this system could further reduce emissions relative to capped systems because the fuel neck isn't opened until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted. When capless fueling is completed, the nozzle is removed and the system seals shut automatically, helping to minimize evaporative emissions.
22-Nov-08 
{{comment.DateTimeStampDisplay}}
{{comment.Comments}}