In the traditional impression, the vehicle interior is protected from wind and rain because it is located inside the cockpit, so its durability is ignored by most users. In fact, vehicle interior components such as dashboards, central control areas and door panels are subject to ultraviolet rays and sunlight. If the material is strong, there will be peeling and cracking. At present, CpK (CpK Interiors Products Inc), a subsidiary of FCA, is studying a new material to improve the durability of the interior.
The vehicle interior materials currently being studied by CpK contain a substance called graphene, which is characterized by high material strength and good thermal conductivity, so it is not obvious when the temperature changes in a wide range. Under the microscope, the carbon atoms of graphene are arranged in a honeycomb-like form, so it is extremely strong. Graphene is one of the strongest materials known, and it also has good toughness and can be bent.
CpK is using these characteristics to combine graphene with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane, a cushioning material commonly used in sports shoes), and after casting and molding, it is made into a soft skin in the interior material, and then it is bonded with hard plastic parts. After incorporating graphene into interior materials, the interior can better resist large temperature changes. CpK said that graphene-added TPU can withstand temperatures from minus 60 degrees Celsius to minus 120 degrees Celsius.
CpK is a manufacturer of automotive interior materials founded in 2010. As a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the company currently provides instrument panels, door panels, center consoles and other components for Chrysler 300 and Pacifica, Dodge Charger and Challenger .