Lightweight designs offered by high-tech plastics
PHOTO: Specially equipped polyamides and PBTs with excellent mechanical and electrical properties are in demand in the manufacture of plug connectors for hybrid and electric vehicles. Photo: Lanxess
THE megatrend towards electric and hybrid vehicles is opening up varied and promising areas of application for Durethan polyamides and Pocan polybutylene terephthalates (PBT) from Lanxess.
Lanxess high-tech plastics are ideal for the production of battery trays which need to be lightweight and have a high absorption capacity for crash energy. Lanxess’ plastic-metal composite technology based on polyamide 6 and sheet steel or aluminum meets these requirements. These lightweight plastic designs weigh between 20 and 30% less than similar sheet steel solutions.
Polyamide and PBT can also be used in place of other materials for battery covers and power electronic housings. Components like these mostly need to offer protection against electromagnetic radiation.
One alternative is to use highly reinforced, very stiff polyamides and PBT grades that can be vaporized with aluminum after the injection moulding process – such as Durethan BKV 60 EF or Pocan T7391, which are filled with 60 and 45% glass fibres respectively.
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