The car of the future will have multiple uses such as mobile living and working space. These trends will also be the principles that guide the concept of new automotive interiors in future mobile vehicles, as well as concepts that Covestro will present at the 2019 Dusseldorf International Rubber and Plastics Exhibition in Germany. Like the smart phone, the car of the future will accompany users and adapt to their individual needs. In addition, cars in the future will also be fully networked and seamlessly integrated with daily life, and provide users with a new ride experience and achieve a high degree of autonomy.
Jochen Hardt, Covestro's global mobile product marketing and project manager, said: "Our comprehensive concept includes developments that may evolve into reality within a few years, but also visionary visions for the future." He further explained: "We are particularly focused In terms of interior design, self-driving cars may also be living and working spaces, creating a customized experience for customers. In addition, future electric vehicles also have the opportunity to allow car manufacturers to implement new space concepts and can borrow This identifies key areas that open up brand differentiation. "
Smart materials for future car interiors
The interior is the embodiment of functionality, comfort and design, but it also represents efficiency. Especially like optically and tactilely designed surfaces, the integration of ambient lighting, the latest entertainment information systems and novel seating concepts. Covestro's high-tech materials open up many new opportunities for many different automotive components.
For example, Makrolon polycarbonate and its blends will play an important role in future automotive interiors due to their extremely high design freedom, mechanical stability, and light weight; and this material also has excellent Thermal and electrical insulation capabilities. In addition, Makrolon is not only able to present various glass-like appearance effects, but also has many functional colors. This feature is very important for the future integration of innovative display screens, sensors, cameras and ambient lighting systems.
Maezio continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites from Covestro have developed a special grade of material based on polycarbonate, but reinforced with carbon fiber, so it is stronger and lighter, and it is also suitable for use For efficient production of ultra-thin parts.
New trends in infotainment systems
Makrofol polycarbonate film can be used, for example, in printing, or even large covers like 3D integrated display screens. At the same time, the film can also be used as a carrier for touch screen printed circuits. With the development of digitization and networking (connectivity) and autonomous driving trends, the number of display screen surfaces and touch screens in automotive interiors and the like will also increase significantly. In addition, the new generation of Makrolon AI polycarbonate can also support the integration of display screens.
Covestro also offers Platilon series of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film products. In addition to the basic use of films, in textiles, it can also be used as a hot-melt film to bond different materials. The sustainable concept of INSQIN technology does not contain organic solvents and is based on water-based polyurethane diffusing agents. It can also be used in automotive interior textile coatings. Compared with traditional production methods, it is very efficient in manufacturing coated textiles, and it can also save water and energy.
The classic all-rounder: polyurethane
Polyurethane is a classic and widely used material for automotive interiors. In the form of soft foam or molded foam, polyurethane car seats provide comfort and safety features. In addition, polyurethane foam has also been used for a long time in instrument panels, interior decoration, decorative parts, and roofs of cars (houses), and provides excellent comfort for interior decoration. And with TPU coatings, you can create particularly soft to very hard performance effects according to demand.
Polyurethane coatings can also adjust material properties to present a high-quality surface effect. Covestro has developed materials for strong and wear-resistant coatings, with a variety of colors and surface structure effects, which can protect the underlying substrate while creating a good touch. At the same time, Covestro is a pioneer in formulating water-based coatings with low organic solvent (low VOC) content. The polyurethane adhesive materials used for strong, durable bonding complete the product range.
Trendy design of electric vehicles
At the 2016 Düsseldorf Plastics & Rubber Show in Germany, Covestro is committed to the future layout for the first time, and demonstrates the integrated concept for electric vehicles on a large scale. The concept stems from a close collaboration with design students from Sweden's well-known Meowo School of Design and automotive supplier Hella. This collaboration not only transcends existing limits, but also provides eye-catching design, comfort, functionality, and energy-efficient vehicles. The core elements include built-in sensors and antennas, holographic lighting, large-sized display screen elements, 360-degree panoramic glass windows, and seamless and uniform surface effects.
Breakthrough achievements again and again
More than 50 years ago, Covestro showed the first car made of plastic, the K 67, in the name of its predecessor Bayer at the Düsseldorf Plastics and Rubber Fair in Germany. Since then, Covestro has continued to overcome limitations with innovative and bold material solutions. Later milestones also include the introduction of headlights and glazing for cars, both made of transparent polycarbonate Makrolon. In addition, Covestro is also a pioneer of raw materials for water-based vehicle fillers, primers and low-solvent polyurethane transparent paints.