MATERIALS | AUTOMOTIVE
PAs for fuel cells Domo Chemicals says its Technyl polyamides have helped to reduce coolant conductivity in hydrogen fuel cell stacks. Historically, polyamides (PAs) were not consid-
Left: Avient has developed a suite of materials for electric vehicle supply
equipment (EVSE)
ered optimal for cooling circuits in hydrogen fuel cell technology due to concerns about ion leach- ing and increased coolant conductivity. However, Domo says its research has overturned these assumptions – and that its materials can limit ion migration, maintaining lower coolant conductivity and extending system life. “Our research reveals the ‘polyamide paradox’,” said Maarten Veevaete, director of the application centre at Domo. “The chemical interaction of Technyl grades with the coolant reduces its conductivity, enhancing system longevity and leading to a five- to sixfold increase in the lifetime of ion filters. This reduces maintenance require- ments and associated costs.” Technyl Pure, a formula- tion designed to minimise ion leaching, consistently maintains lower coolant conductivity from the outset, according to the company. It says that internal research shows that the material surpasses traditional solutions, offering “a more efficient and durable option for hydrogen fuel cell cooling loops”.
On a charge Avient has developed a platform of materials for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) for the North American market. This includes colorants, additives and engineered materials that can improve the perfor- mance and aesthetics of Level 1, 2, and direct current (DC) electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The demand for public charging equipment is rising in the US, with more than 1 million stations estimated to be built over the next eight years. This creates a need for materials and technologies that must meet critical performance standards in EVSE applications. To address these needs, Avient has developed a portfolio of formulations including UL 94-recognised colorants, flame retardants, antimi- crobial technology and special visual effects. “With the expected growth in electric vehicles,
there will be a much greater need for EV charging stations,” said Mayendran Pillay, marketing director for color and additives North America at Avient. “Our material solutions will help boost the design, function and appeal of these charging units.” Avient says the materials can address key EVSE
20 INJECTION WORLD | May/June 2024
performance, function and design areas including outdoor durability, impact resistance, thermal management, and fire safety. In addition, sustain- able formulations are available for enhancements such as lightweighting or paint replacement and volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction.
3D tool
Engineering plastics supplier Radici has devel- oped Auto Insight, a digital tool for navigating the car in 3D.
It shows users exactly which Radici grades can be used in different parts of the car – ranging from engineering polymers for injection-moulded parts to fibres and non-wovens for textile coverings. Auto Insight is split into three areas: interior,
exterior and EV traction. Within ‘exterior’, for instance, users can look at parts such as wiper arms (and the use of grades such as Radilon A PA66, or Raditer B PBT). ‘Interior’ includes switches and airbag housings (using Radilon S PA6), while ‘EV traction’ lists
several materials for use in various connectors, busbars, battery covers and other parts. Thanks to the new tool, users can have a
clear, immediate map of the main applica- tions of Radici products in the car, with particular emphasis in this first phase on e-mobility. Radici specialists and the developer of the tool (TXT Group) are already working to develop it further, to make it more complete in terms of prod-
ucts, solutions and applications. The tool can be used from a PC, tablet or mobile. It gives users a description of the materials at a glance, to save typical products and download relevant product sheets. It is suitable for every visitor profile because it allows ‘free’ levels of in-depth analysis depending on a user’s interests and skills.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.sabic.com �
www.mocom.eu �
www.covestro.com �
www.eurotec-ep.com �
www.kraiburg-tpe.com �
www.lati.com �
www.teknorapex.com �
www.celanese.com �
www.domochemicals.com �
www.avient.com �
www.radicigroup.com
www.injectionworld.com
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