Search Results

Polyolefins offer the automotive industry three key characteristics required to meet today's design needs: low weight, recyclability and excellent cost-performance. The ability to further enhance polyolefins through reinforcement, alloying and chemical modification provides the materials engineer a vast array of polymer systems to utilize in the design of exterior and interior components. This paper will highlight past successes in the use of polyolefins to meet the needs of this demanding industry. In addition it will address new developments underway that have expanded the utility of these materials to meet: paintability, UV stability, dimensional ability and abuse resistance requirements - broadening their use in applications previously requiring more expensive engineering resins, including panels. Particular attention will be given to modified polypropylene systems due to their excellent utility over a broad temperature range.