Lightweight, high performance thermoplastic composites for automotives

01-Oct-08

SABIC Innovative Plastics and SABIC PP Automotive are introducing an expansive, world-class portfolio of lightweight, high-performance thermoplastic composites for automotive applications. These reinforced materials range from LNP* Thermocomp* and LNP Verton* specialty compounds for demanding interior and underhood applications, to the global introduction of SABIC® STAMAX resins for door modules and instrument panel carriers, to the newly introduced AZDEL IXIS® 157 composite for vehicle hoods and roofs. SABIC's broad portfolio of composites enable the use of technologies such as in-mold decoration for special effects, and heat and cool molding for improved surface finish. As per a senior executive with the company, OEMs of automotive industry are increasingly demanding high performance composites including LNP specialty compounds and SABIC® STAMAX resins for weight and cost reduction, design flexibility, ease of recycling and safety measures. SABIC Innovative Plastics has a diverse portfolio of composites offering many different base resins and loadings to meet the specific requirements of applications from large, horizontal body panels to instrument panels in automotives. Further. The company has come out with a new bio-based material developed from the fibers of curauá plant and wood shavings for reinforcement. This material alike, offers considerable weight reduction relative to glass fibers and ease of recycling when used for automotives. SABIC's long-lived partnership with a number of automotive OEMs clearly shows the company's commitment towards the industry. Considering the diverse portfolio of products from SABIC Innovative Plastics and IXIS technologies from Azdel, SABIC is helping manufacturers comply with environmental and safety legislation and meet demand for better fuel performance.