MATERIALS 


consequence, automobile UTB components such as air ducts are exposed to continuously rising operating temperatures. With increasingly critical temperature and tougher life time requirements, long-term service life of components made from current thermoplastics can be at risk.” He adds that Arnitel delivers cost efficient


solutions for air ducts by combining high performance with cost savings through a single piece solution - while also processing faster and lowering weight.


An all plastic front end The first Chinese-developed vehicle with an all- plastic front-end module (FEM) using SABIC Innovative Plastics’ STAMAX long glass fibre polypropylene (LGFPP) resin was displayed at the recently concluded 14th annual Shanghai Auto Show. Chang’an Automobile, one of China’s


largest automakers, featured the all-plastic FEM at the show in a stripped down version of its CX30 model. This major application uses STAMAX LGFPP resin to replace steel, cutting part weight by up to 40 per cent and total vehicle weight by about four kilograms. In addition to weight reduction for


improved fuel economy and lower emissions, the all-plastic FEM solution reduces overall system costs for Chang’an by enabling modular assembly for improved efficiency on its production line. SABIC says that recent work with


Chang’an illustrates its ability to support automotive OEMs as they strive to develop lighter vehicles for improved fuel economy and


lower emissions, while also lowering overall costs. “We take a great deal of pride in having


worked closely with Chang’an to advance both the design and production of the new CX30,” said Lisa Tang, general manager for China, Automotive, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “This project exemplifies the technical competency of our team in China and the ability to apply our expertise to help automotive OEMs innovate and take advantage of opportunities for reduction in both weight and cost by using our STAMAX LGFPP resins.” In addition to the front-end module –


which fully integrates the radiator, headlamps, lock bridges and bumper beams – Chang’an’s CX30 model uses SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Noryl GTX resin for the fuel-filler door or tank flap.


Moulding the part from Noryl GTX resin


enables it to be painted online along with the rest of the body in white. Typically, the part must be moulded and painted by the component supplier, which can potentially cause colour mismatches with the body. The SABIC Innovative Plastics team


delivered comprehensive technical support, training, advanced computer analyses and engineering design services on request to help Chang’an meet its goals. “We are delighted with the support we


received from SABIC Innovative Plastics,” said Wang Xiao, R&D director of interiors and exteriors for Chang’an Automobile. “Drawing on their materials and application leadership and technical know-how, we achieved significant improvements in quality and


The ultimate white?


Clariant says it gives papermakers the unique opportunity to use up to 30 per cent less optical brightening agent (OBA), reduce tinting colourant levels, and reach a truer, more neutral white.


W


The globally-available Leucophor XL range offers a new approach to controlling and optimising whiteness. Its innovative technology improves whiteness build-up without destroying brightness for coated and uncoated papers and board. This provides a step-change in the whiteness and brightness of paper


13 ECE


ith the launch of its breakthrough whitening system Leucophor XL,


compared to conventional whitening methods where the colourant can make paper appear duller and grayer. The company says that


papermakers can achieve significant improvements in their manufacturing efficiency with Leucophor XL. By replacing traditional brighteners with an OBA from the Leucophor XL range, significantly less OBA is required in order to achieve equal whiteness levels. At the same time, lower levels of shading colourants are required in the wet- end, leading to higher brightness at less cost. By moving away from the OBA saturation limit, previously


unattainable whiteness levels are made possible.


“We see our new Leucophor XL range as a toolkit which helps papermakers to reduce their consumption of optical brighteners and tinting colourants while continuing to produce papers to the same or even higher whiteness standards as before,” comments Andrew Jackson, head of global product management OBAs. “As well as bringing cost savings, this innovative approach to whiteness also reduces the carbon footprint of printing and writing papers, a move very much in line with Clariant’s sustainability concept.” ❒


productivity. Integrating 22 metal components into one injection-moulded part has greatly simplified the front-end structure of the CX30 model for lighter weight, easier assembling and overall cost reduction. This leap forward, combined with other advancements, helped us to produce high quality, world-class vehicles that will greatly please our customers.” Xiao added: “As a leading Chinese auto


brand, Chang’an Automobile continues to invest significant resources in the field of non-metallic materials and in advanced technologies to provide our customers with increasingly innovative and high quality vehicles.” More and more automotive OEMs are


using STAMAX LGFPP resins in structural applications because the material delivers high- quality performance that can replace steel, reduces weight and lowers system costs. The resins support the design of semi-structural automotive applications that combine light weight with functional integration, such as front-end modules, door modules, instrument panel carriers, tailgates and seating systems.


Impact resistance Finally, a new Hyperform HPR high performance reinforcing agent from Milliken & Company yields finished parts with higher stiffness and impact resistance but lower weight than talc-filled parts. It also has improved feeding and handling characteristics for compounders and yields whiter compounds – so users can cut back on colour masterbatch. Hyperform HPR-803i, which is


available now in all geographic markets, is


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