From October 16 to 23, 2019, the International Rubber and Plastic Exhibition (K 2019) will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany. Clariant will hold a forum to invite BMW plastics engineer Joachim Melzig to give a speech to discuss the sustainability of the car. The theme of the forum is "Injection molding of structural foam: The story of Clariant and BMW's successful cooperation", which will be held at the Clariant booth (Hall 8a / J11) at 2:30 pm on Friday, October 18th.
Mr. Melzig will explain how Clariant's HYDROCEROL chemical blowing agent (CFAs) is used in the dashboard of almost all BMW vehicles, including the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. Using this additive can not only reduce the weight of the instrument panel, but also improve mechanical properties, such as flexural strength (such as the ability to withstand impact loads during a car crash). The cooperation project is an important part of BMW's plan to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel economy and reduce the amount of polymer materials used.
Laura Carrillo, Head of Clariant ’s European Automotive Market Division, explained: “HYDROCEROL chemical foaming additive masterbatch plays a key role in supporting Clariant ’s plan to create a more sustainable plastics industry. According to the report already published, BMW uses our It can reduce the weight of the instrument panel by 20%. To meet the strict emission reduction targets stipulated by the law, auto manufacturers must implement a comprehensive vehicle lightweight strategy. Reducing the weight of the instrument panel can make an important contribution to achieving this strategy. Reducing the weight of a kilogram of a car will help reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. "
When HYDROCEROL is added to the plastic during processing, HYDROCEROL will be activated by high temperature and release gas. This gas forms a porous foam structure inside the instrument panel, while the outer layer remains strong, so the foam is not visible from the outside. Since gas replaces polymers, producing a qualified instrument panel will consume less plastic. HYDROCEROL can be processed on almost any commercially available injection molding equipment. In BMW's instrument panel production, the reduction in instrument panel density is particularly noticeable due to the combination of CFAs and core-retraction technology. During this process, the mold is opened slightly to further reduce the pressure and allow the foam core to expand.
HYDROCEROL also has other processing advantages. Compared with traditional molding technology, HYDROCEROL does not require the use of holding pressure to foam, because the pressure will inhibit the formation of foam. Because the production cycle is shorter and the required clamping force is smaller, energy is saved.
More sustainable
HYDROCEROL has also received the EcoTain logo awarded by Clariant due to its sustainability advantages of light weight, material saving, reduction of fossil resource consumption, energy saving, and smaller overall carbon footprint, and the use of safe and harmless raw materials.
EcoTain is Clariant's flagship logo and is awarded to the company's products that have passed a comprehensive and detailed screening process. The screening process uses a total of 36 indicators, covering the three dimensions of sustainability, namely the social, environmental and economic dimensions. The EcoTain logo shows that while ensuring that product performance is not compromised, it also has outstanding advantages in terms of sustainability. This creates value for customers and the entire society.