The automotive industry is constantly seeing disruptive innovations. OEMs and suppliers are facing tremendous innovation pressures, and there is a great demand for new innovative solutions. Asahi Kasei's newly developed polyamide foam offers unique possibilities for lightweighting and noise reduction applications.
In addition to changing consumer demand, EU legislation on emissions has also greatly promoted the use of new and innovative lightweight materials. These materials must meet the high safety standards of the automotive industry and provide solutions to increasingly global and increasingly stringent regulations. Plastics and foams with a wide range of properties will be key in this area, helping to reduce emissions and extend the range of electric vehicles.
Another challenge is the increasingly stringent noise regulations. According to United Nations Regulation No. 51-031 issued in 2016, newly manufactured vehicles must continuously reduce noise levels.
Takauji Namatame, senior manager of R & D department of Asahi Kasei Europe, said: "Asahi Kasei's newly launched PA foam has unprecedented high heat resistance and brings new possibilities to the foam material market. In Europe with strong environmental awareness, the future will be lighter, especially The demand in the automotive industry is expected to increase further. "
Asahi Kasei is one of only four fully integrated polyamide manufacturers in the world and is able to produce PA 66 from monomer to compound. Based on this expertise, the company is currently developing the world's first PA foam, a polyamide-based foam bead material.
PA Foam has the heat, chemical and oil resistance typical of polyamides, and, depending on the shape of the beads, has excellent rigidity or noise reduction quality. PA ball bead foam is very rigid, making it a promising alternative in structural applications. It can also be used in insulators, pipes, gaskets or other lightweight parts of battery boxes for electric vehicles.
Put "car" into macaroni C-shaped or macaroni-shaped PA. In addition to typical polyamide properties, it also has sound insulation. It has the potential to be used anywhere. Especially in the engine compartment, materials can bring unique qualities. Used in the hood helps reduce weight and noise.
These qualities also contribute to enhanced comfort in the car. This material can be used in roofs and hoods, or in seat and floor structures.
Polyamide foam can be processed in standard polystyrene molding equipment in a steam molding process. In addition, the amount of resin used in the production process is significantly reduced, reducing overall costs.
Asahi Kasei will exhibit PA foam at FOAM EXPO Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, from September 10th to 12th.