Glass fibre reinforced plastics, such as BASF's Ultramid, continue to make significant contributions to further development in environmental and sustainability challenges in automotive applications. Engineering plastics must not only withstand high temperatures over long periods, and prevent galvanic corrosion of electrical components.
BASF
BASF’s heat-stabilised Ultramid material a rising star in automotive applications
Legal requirements for pollutant emissions, downsizing of internal combustion engines, alternative powertrains such as electric, hybrid or fuel cell have accelerated further development of the vehicle rapidly. Fiberglass-reinforced plastics, such as BASF's Ultramid®, make a significant contribution to further development. With the new development of the heat-stabilized Ultramid® B3PG6 BK23238, BASF is expanding its product portfolio of polyamides for the high-temperature range. A new type of stabilization enables heat resistance of up to 190 °C and protects sensitive electronic components from galvanic corrosion.
Heat-resistance, good long-term use properties and weld-resistance are the basic prerequisites for components in current and future powertrains. Whether in the internal combustion engine as well as in the hybrid or electric vehicle, reliable and technically flawless materials are indispensable in a demanding environment. With the new development of the heat-stabilized Ultramid B3PG6 BK23238, BASF is expanding its product portfolio of polyamides for the high-temperature range.
The new P-stabilisation offers a unique heat resistance of up to 190°C and prevents galvanic corrosion on electrical components. The polyamide, reinforced with 30 per cent glass fibres, has excellent thermal ageing performance, as well as vibration and hot gas welding properties.
Andreas Stockheim, Segment Marketing Manager Powertrain and Chassis in BASF's Performance Materials division, said: "Some customers were looking for a PA6 standard material that meets temperature requirements of up to 190°C. In addition, metal-free heat stabilisation is requested more often in order to protect sensitive electronic components in various powertrain technologies from galvanic corrosion and thus to avoid possible failures. The developed material with the innovative P-stabilisation can not only be used in conventional environments, but is also suitable for electronic applications, such as in electric vehicles."
With the Ultramid B3PG6 BK23238, BASF is adding another product grade to its portfolio of glass fibre-reinforced and heat-resistant polyamides.
Stockheim added: "Where high temperatures and versatile material properties are required, the new Ultramid can be used. The material convinces with significantly improved aging properties than existing PA6 GF30 systems, which are currently available on the market. Due to the versatile, cross-industry application possibilities, we can provide large production volumes at economically attractive conditions."