UNDER THE HOOD | AUTOMOTIVE
polymers based on polyamide 12, PEEK and polyimides for applications in EVs. The company says that hybrid and fully electric vehicles require optimum cooling and heating. Highly efficient thermal management is needed not only for the high-voltage battery, but also for the other essen- tial high-voltage components, such as the electric motor and converter or inverter. Automotive electrification also opens up new fields of applica- tion for high performance polymers in engines and drive systems. Specialised products like Vestakeep PEEK, P84 NT polyimide, and Vestamid polyamide 12 moulding compounds allow manufacturers to produce durable, precision components such as bearings or gears that are capable of transmitting or absorbing power. Their use reduces friction for efficient, long term use. They also eliminate noise and vibrations for a quiet ride, says the company. Lanxess has expanded its polyamide 6 Durethan
P product range with the addition of two highly reinforced material variants that can be used as an economical alternative to polyamide 66 materials. The company says that Durethan BKV50PH2.0 and Durethan BKV60PH2.0EF have short glass fibre con- tent levels of 50% and 60% by weight respectively. The ‘P’ in the product name stands for performance and indicates the high fatigue resistance of these materials against pulsating loads. This means that these grades are many times more resistant to cyclical mechanical loads than standard products with the same glass fibre content, it says. Potential applica- tions include support- ing structures for electrical and electron- ics modules in batteries for EVs, engine oil pans, oil filter modules and end caps, engine and chassis mounts and damper pistons. In mechanical engineering, the new materials are suitable for dynamically highly stressed compo- nents such as gear wheels. Lanxess has also developed tailor-made polyam- ides and polybutylene terephthalates under the Durethan and Pocan brands for components of the lithium-ion battery, the electric powertrain and the charging infrastructure. Potential battery applica- tions include module covers and separators, high-voltage connectors, housing parts for control units, cell holders, spacers, module cover plates and supply lines. One example for batteries is easy-flow- ing Durethan BKV45FN04, featuring 45wt.% glass fibre reinforcement. The halogen-free, flame-retard-
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Lanxess has expanded its polyamide 6 Durethan P product range, which are an economical alternative to polyamide 66 materials in many automotive applications Source: Lanxess
ant polyamide 6 passes the UL 94 flame-retardant test from US testing institute Underwriters Laborato- ries with the best classification of V-0 (0.4 mm) and is also tracking resistant at high electrical voltages. Due to its stiffness and strength, it is ideal for the production of structural components of the battery – such as cell frames and end plates. It is also suitable for high-voltage connectors. EMS-Grivory has developed Grivory HT (High Hydrolysis Resistance) polyph- thalamide (PPA) to provide good hydrolysis resistance at elevated temperatures. In automotive cooling systems, plastics are required that have long term resistance to hot
water, steam and cooling agents. Grivory HT is suitable for applications involving permanent
contact with water. For example, Grivory HT1VA has 30% higher
retained strength values after 12,000 hours in water at 95°C than a traditional PPA. The company says that in automotive construction, this product line is particularly suited for components in engine cooling systems which must withstand the most extreme conditions. For example, Mann+Hummel manufactures a
cool-water valve for Hyundai-KIA-U Motors made of Grivory HT1VA-35 HYS. For use in these applica- tions, along with the good hydrolysis resistance at elevated temperatures, good resistance against cooling agents and high dimensional stability is also required. It also has optimised demoulding capabilities. This means that the material enables
May 2019 | INJECTION WORLD 43
Left: Cooling water valve from Mann+ Hummel, made of Grivory HT1VA-35 HYS
PHOTO: EMS-GRIVORY
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