New reSound™ NF Reinforced Solutions from PolyOne Reduce Weight Sustainably

“Global automotive manufacturers seek lightweight materials to help them meet tough new regulations on CO₂ emissions as well as their own goals for sustainability. Based on results from our collaboration with these customers, reSound NF reinforced solutions will enable the transition to a lighter weight material that provides the high performance required for challenging applications,” said Craig Nikrant, president, Global Specialty Engineered Materials at PolyOne.

Compared to other natural fiber reinforced solutions, reSound NF materials will offer mechanical property improvements of more than 20% for tensile and flexural properties, 10°C to 20°C higher heat deflection temperature, and an increase of more than 50% in impact strength. Testing at Fraunhofer ICT Institute in Pfinztal, Germany has shown that a 40% filled reSound™ NF formulation has equivalent performance to a 30% filled short glass fiber reinforced alternative, at a 7-8% lower density.

These natural fiber-filled solutions can be processed on standard machinery and tooling at low injection molding temperatures and short cycle times, and will complement the advanced long and short fiber solutions in PolyOne’s current portfolio. They feature densities 5-10% lower than comparable glass fiber formulations to reduce weight.

Fig.: Caption: New reSound™ NF natural fiber reinforced polymers help manufacturers reach goals for performance and sustainability. (Parts molded by Fraunhofer)

New reSound NF solutions are based on polypropylene chemistry. PolyOne has identified more than 15 potential applications, including under-the-hood components, lighting systems, and semi-structural applications, and is actively collaborating on these and additional opportunities with customers.

Demonstration parts made with reSound NF reinforced materials were on display at both the VDI Plastics in Automotive Engineering conference and trade show in Mannheim, Germany and the NPE 2015 exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

www.polyone.com