MATERIALS
is looking for ways to increase the number of passengers – and one promising approach is to upgrade the interior of the train to deliver a more satisfying customer experience and improve sustainability,” says Joshua Chiaw, Director Business Management, Specialities at Sabic.
INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY With the aim of increasing the sustainability of rail interiors, Sabic also supplies the new copolymer in a bio-based version with the same regulatory compliance, performance properties and processing parameters as the fossil-based grade. Formulated with around 55% renewable feedstock from waste materials such as crude tall oil, the bio-based material was found to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 28% when compared to fossil-based counterparts, according to an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) CO2 equivalent analysis. “We are addressing passenger rail
trends by expanding our portfolio of specialty materials to help meet the latest requirements,” Chiaw continues. “By developing new grades that comply with stricter regulations, off er system cost advantages, and enhance aesthetics, durability and sustainability, we aim to support industry eff orts to maximise the
appeal of rail travel as a cost-eff ective, safe, reliable and convenient choice.”
FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE Both the fossil-based and bio-based LNP Elcres FST thermoplastic grades meet the strict fi re safety requirements of EN 45545 R1-HL2 for horizontal and vertical interior surfaces, including ceilings and walls. These regulations, which are considered the global benchmark, aim to minimise the eff ects of heat, smoke and toxic gases on rail passengers and staff , and Sabic’s new materials are among the few colourable thermoplastics that are compliant. The thermoplastic copolymers
are developed for extrusion-based manufacturing processes, and produce sheets that can be thermoformed to suit panel thicknesses of between 2-5mm.
DESIGN ADVANTAGES When compared to metal and thermoset resins, Sabic’s new thermoplastic materials provide greater freedom in the design of new panel confi gurations, enabling the integration of aesthetics, parts and functionality without the need for secondary processes. For instance, decorative fi lm can be applied to LNP Elcres FST thermoplastic panels during extrusion, whereas a thermoset part would
require a separate application step. Additionally, brackets and fasteners can be integrated using laser welding instead of requiring adhesives. Another design advantage of the
new copolymer range is its moulded- in colour capability, which eliminates the cost, time and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with painting, which is typically used for metal and thermoset panels. Meanwhile, the materials’ excellent chemical resistance makes it easy to clean, which in turn helps to extend the useful life of the part. “Our LNP FST products for rail
panels demonstrate the success of Sabic’s technical experts in solving major challenges around compliance, quality, durability, cost control and sustainability,” adds Luc Govaerts, Technology Director, Specialties, at Sabic. “In developing these new grades, we worked closely with customers to understand their needs and preferences, including requests for bio-based, drop-in alternatives that strengthen environmental protection. These specialty copolymers represent a new generation of materials for panels and open up new possibilities for the industry.”
More information can be found at
www.sabic.com
Weighing the benefi ts Modern transportation
vehicles are becoming increasingly lightweight and fuel-effi cient, largely due to the use of thermoplastics for many interior components. In addition to rail door, wall and ceiling panels, interior components in other sectors like dashboard surrounds in cars and luggage racks in aircraft are just a couple of examples of the interior components that can be manufactured via heavy gauge thermoforming
processes to off er lightweighting benefi ts. Previous analysis has
found that thermoforming can produce components that weigh 30% less than comparable components made from fi berglass, and 250% less than aluminium parts. Better vehicle strength-to-weight ratio ultimately results in greater fuel economy, which translates to lower emissions. This element of component and vehicle design is only set to grow
The new thermoplastics are well suited for wall and ceiling panels in passenger trains, subways and trams
in importance as OEMs in the transport sector look to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations to reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles.
www.engineerlive.com 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
