Electrical & electronics
Engineering materials for customers producing innovative, safer, thinner, lighter and more connected devices that reduce carbon footprint, improve safety, and boost connectivity.
Tomorrow's vehicles today
Automotive
Sustainable engineering materials
We make it possible for our customers to develop tomorrow’s vehicles and address the need for enhanced connectivity, lower environmental impact, and improved safety.
We make this happen through sustainable engineering materials, complemented by our fundamental scientific knowledge and application expertise across the mobility ecosystem. Here are just some of the solutions for achieving it.
Realizing fuel efficiency
One of the greatest challenges for car manufacturers is meeting strict legislation on tailgate emissions. One proven way of achieving this is to reduce wear and friction in the engine and transmission - which can be achieved through lightweight friction-reduction materials - even in the fiercest temperatures. One example is our Stanyl® engineering material, which is now used for chain tensioners in engine timing systems to reduce fuel consumption, thus helping the industry lower CO2 emissions.
Accelerating e-mobility
How can we accelerate society’s transition towards more sustainable driving? One answer is hydrogen-powered electric vehicles. By 2050 they could comprise 20% of the total vehicle market (approximately 400 million cars, 15-to-20 million trucks, and about five million buses). Hydrogen needs to be transported in large fuel tanks that can withstand extreme internal pressures. The challenge? These have traditionally been made from steel and are very heavy. However, now it’s possible to create a lightweight hydrogen gas tank using DSM engineering materials.
Circular and bio-based materials
Our automotive customers are committed to a circular economy that uses bio-based and recyclable materials, and so are we. For example, in applications like crankshaft covers, coolant expansion tanks and engine covers, our EcoPaXX® material delivers excellent all-around performance while being 72% bio-based (made primarily from tropical castor bean oil). It’s a natural performer - made all the more sustainable by the fact that DSM is now using more renewable electricity than ever to power our operations (50% and rising).
Autonomous driving & connectivity
Today, some 98% of all cars are connected to the internet with an average of 15 high-speed data connectors per car. These connectors are what you might call ‘the brains’ of the car, enabling GPS, satellite radio and cellular communications; web-based entertainment and communications; and important safety functions. One of the greatest challenges in creating these intricate connectors is the risk of blistering during the reflow assembly process - a problem now being solved by our ForTii® Ace material. It delivers the highest reliability and strongest signal integrity in the two types of connector technologies, ensuring drivers can stay online - and stay safe.
Facilitating global platforms
As a global top-three manufacturer of high-performance polyamides and elastomers, we’re a preferred partner for many of the world’s leading automotive companies. How have we built this global reputation? By designing and developing better, smarter, stronger, safer, smaller, lighter, longer-lasting and sustainable material solutions. Our dedicated teams of industry-experts, scientists and engineers work hand-in-hand with our customers every day to find ways of making the impossible, possible.