Plastic seems to be popping up everywhere nowadays, and the automotive industry is no exception. High performance plastics used in cars are helping shape the future of transportation while providing us the safety and security we need for our morning commutes today. We're going to introduce you to some of the plastics at the forefront of automotive design and innovation.
Polypropylene is used the most frequently of any plastic in automotive manufacturing. Being a thermoplastic polymer, it can easily be formed into almost any shape. It has excellent chemical and heat resistance and is generally resistant to impact. Given this plastic's resume, you will frequently find it in car bumpers, gas cans and even the carpet fibers of your car's interior flooring. It's also a more economical alternative to expensive plastics of similar strength and durability, which helps drive down the cost of manufacturing.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS sheet is similar to PVC in that the final product offers a sleek finish. Steering wheel covers and dashboards are often made of ABS plastic. It's also well-suited to heavy-duty applications, so it can be used for automotive body parts, too. Plastic used in cars, like ABS, helps the body absorb and redistribute energy during an impact, keeping passengers safe.
Polyurethane, which can take on both soft and hard forms, is exceptionally resistant to solvents, radiation, and environmental wear. Because of these qualities, polyurethane is well-suited for numerous applications, including tires, suspension brushes, seating, and more.
A general-use polyamide, polyamide 6/6 promises high wear resistance and can be used to make parts via both molding and extrusion processes. It’s favored for its strength, low cost, and stability, and it’s commonly found in weatherproof coatings.
