MATERIALS | AUTOMOTIVE


the material has the same low-friction properties as fluororesins, making it suitable for sliding applica- tions in industries including automotive, robot parts, OA parts and sporting goods. One automotive solution is its AZP transparent


polymer, which features an almost zero birefrin- gence and light weight. It overcomes the challeng- es of conventional transparent polymers in applica- tions with polarising light, such as virtual and augmented reality devices and automotive head-up displays (HUDs), while being processable for large-scale production of injection-moulded optical components. It has also developed a recycling technology


Above: Fraunhofer IAP has won €53 million for a pilot plant to make bio-based carbon fibres


and PC/ABS blends. The portfolio comprises elastomeric polyolefins and polyolefin copolymer-based compounds that are made using a maleic anhydride (MAH) grafting process. The level of toughness improvement can be precisely adjusted by varying the amount of Compoline CO/PA 02 being added over a wide range – from slight to extreme improvement. Compoline CO/PA 03 is designed to provide very high impact strength at temperatures down to -40°C.


Modified polyamides typically have higher viscosities than non-toughened grades. To com- pensate for this, there is a demand for products with improved flow properties, especially in injection moulding applications. Compoline CO/PA 330F (-30°C to +25°C) and 160H (25°C) give a good balance of toughness and flowability. Both are for thin-walled parts requiring robust mechani- cal properties and heat resistance – so are ideal for e-mobility and other demanding applications. Compoline CO/PA BA and CO/PA BA11, based on an acrylic copolymer, are preferred for compen- sating for the embrittlement of polyamide and other engineering plastics such as polyesters and elastomers, at room temperature. The difference between these products is that Compoline CO/PA BA11 also offers improved flow properties.


PFAS-free PA Asahi Kasei unveiled PFAS-free polyamides and recycling technology for continuous carbon fibres – and several materials for automotive applications – at K2025. In response to increasing demand for PFAS-free


materials, it has developed a PFAS-free low-friction Leona polyamide. Based on internal evaluations,


16 INJECTION WORLD | May/June 2026


that recovers continuous carbon fibres from CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) pressure vessels used in automobiles. Using electrolysed sulphuric acid, the process decomposes the resin matrix while preserving the original strength and structure of the carbon fibres. Unlike conventional recycling methods – which result in chopped fibres – this technology preserves the continuous nature of the fibres.


Pilot funding Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP) has won more than €53 million for a new pilot plant to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibres. The plant will be part of the Carbon Lab Factory


Lausitz, which aims to transform Lausitz from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-orient- ed region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. “We are also establishing a laboratory-scale carbonisation facility that converts the new precur- sor fibres into carbon fibres at the kilogramme scale,” said Jens Erdmann, head of the polymer engineering division at Fraunhofer IAP. “This allows us to evaluate process behaviour and potential, optimise the processes, and gather valuable insights for larger scales.” The Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz is embedded in the Lausitz research infrastructure, where Lausitz Science Park will serve as a future hub for joint initiatives.


PCR compounds Sabic has introduced new LNP Elcrin SLX com- pounds – based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) content – and an LNP Konduit WTF2C compound that supports thermal management in Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) components. “To remain successful, the automotive industry must continually innovate on multiple fronts, from


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IMAGE: FRAUNHOFER IAP


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