AUTOMOTIVE | MATERIALS


IMAGE: GM/SABIC


Automotive applications abound for plastics


The opportunities for new plastics applications in EVs are not just around the battery, but also in the front end, lighting and other visible components. By Chris Saunders


Despite increasing energy costs and supply short- ages, the plastics industry has benefited greatly from the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, where polymers are being used in place of metal parts. Common materials include polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycar- bonate (PC), and polyethylene (PE). As a result of Covid, sales of EVs slumped in 2020 but the market has gained momentum since. According to analysis by Emergen Research, the global EV polymers market size was valued at over $7bn in 2021 and is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Volker Plehn, Global Automotive Director Smart


Panels, Lighting & ETP Trim, at SABIC, says: “SABIC draws upon its broad set of materials, capabilities and expertise to support manufacturers, designers and system suppliers as they move forward to electrify transportation, enhance the consumers’


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driving experience, and implement an increasingly circular economy. One of the major areas for innovation in automotive design is the front end. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) require no engine cooling, opening new opportunities for integrated aesthetic and intelligent features such as electronic and sensor-based digital assist systems. In one SABIC concept, a two-component Lexan PC front panel with a large, curved transparent PU in-mould coating covers an assembly platform, moulded in Stamax long-glass fibre polypropylene. Lighting, sensors, illuminated logo and messaging units are mounted from behind.” He continues: “The front panel puts PC in a new


role as a large exterior trim part. The Lexan LS1 resin grade has been optimised to provide maxi- mum flowability, paint adhesion, radar and sensor signal transparency in combination with classical


November/December 2023 | INJECTION WORLD 37


Main image: The front panel plays a new role as a large exterior trim part in EVs (photo shows Cadillac Lyriq)


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