Lighter vehicles
So how are our materials making a difference in weight reduction?
Akulon® (PA6) is a proven and safe solution for air bag containers for over 20 years now. A metal airbag container from 10 years ago contained 20 working parts, weighing 3.2 kilograms. Today we can make a container with five working parts, weighing as little as 1.0 kilograms. Replacing metals in EPS (electric power steering) systems is the one of the next steps we are taking.
Recently DSM launched ForTii® Ace, an important step forward into metal replacement territory, enabling OEMs to replace metals in applications that have been too challenging up to now. ForTii Ace combines high and linear mechanical performance up to 150°C with excellent chemical resistance.
Fuel efficiency
Reduce friction in the engine and you reduce CO2 emissions and improve the engine efficiency. Friction reduction can achieve fuel savings that would require an equivalent replacement of 20 kilograms of material using ‘conventional’ metal-to plastic conversion.
We’re also co-developing applications for starters, alternators, batteries and electro-motors in hybrid and electric cars.
