New Polyamide grades with better aesthetics and temperature resistance aim to increase market share in automotive sector

Polyamides have an important role in the automotive sector. In fact, the growth of Polyamides is generally driven by growth in the automotive sector. The overall economic slow down of the last couple of years in USA, Europe and Japan; the major markets for automobiles, has adversely affected the market for Polyamides.

To stimulate their growth, the major global producers of Polyamides have been developing newer products to increasingly develop more applications, particularly in the under-hood section. Polyamides with improved colours help in achieving better aesthetics in addition to the functional requirements of mechanical properties at higher temperatures. The newer grades of Polyamide 6 and 66 have been developed, having the higher toughness as well as stiffness at the elevated temperatures. These grades also bring newer functionality like laser weldability and resistance to glycols. Generally the glass fiber reinforcement is required to enhance the mechanical properties that are essential for automotive applications. Traditionally black parts from glass reinforced Polyamides used in the automotive sectors cannot prevent hiding of weld lines etc. To achieve better aesthetics, external painting is required, leading to an increase in cost. The newer grades, having better flow characteristics, without adversely impacting mechanical properties have specifically developed to prevent formation of such weld lines. Higher flow and better rheology help in achieving better productivity. These new high flow grades are now available from all the major international players like BASF, Bayer, DSM and Rhodia. This has opened up the application of engine covers in many European cars like Volkswagen or Citroen. The improved aesthetics of the engine cover enhances the visual appeal of the automobiles. The improved flow also is responsible for developing those applications that have more complex designs like that of long engine cooling fan assembly that integrates blower wheels and other air-transport components.

For thick extruded sheet (up to 6 mm thickness), Bayer has developed an easy flow Polyamide 6 with higher melt strength. The thicker sheets are aimed at the engine shrouds, underbody panels and sound shields. The higher melt strength helps in achieving more uniform thickness distribution of these thermoformed parts.

The high flow Polyamide 66 grades with glass fiber reinforcements can be used in place of the thermoset materials for a very large rocker panel part. In fact, if found successful, they can replace Aluminum which has a higher market share for this part. Mercedes-Benz has already replaced this part in 35% glass reinforced Polyamide 66. In fact most of the major European car manufacturers have adopted Polyamide 66 for this part. US car makers are seriously evaluating this option.

There is a space limit in the engine compartment. The conventional vibration welding causes problems of sensitive electronics for the Air-intake manifolds. The newer grades of Polyamide 6 with laser welding ability from Bayer have helped in achieving more compact designs.

The improved surface appearance or availability in the other colours than black would definitely increase the share of Polyamides in the automotive sectors. Higher temperature resistance provided by the newer grades would also help in achieving more penetration in the engine compartments, that are becoming more compact and sophisticated.

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