Borealis: With new Materials Moving to Mannheim

VW Air Intake Manifold (AIM): First use of PP for this high tech application.

Pioneering low weight innovations for BMW and a cutting-edge material step change by VW will be among the production efficiency and environmentally-friendly focused developments presented by Borealis International Plastics in Automotive Engineering Congress.

Glass reinforced polypropylene compounds (XMOD), long glass fibre reinforced PPs (Nepol) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO) compounds (Daplen) are benefitting a wide range of interior, exterior and under-the-bonnet applications. Innovations featuring at VDI 2010 include:

• BMW 7 Series dashboard carrier: A lightweight, recyclable alternative based on a tailor-made 20 % long glass fibre Nepol grade. The new component offers up to 20 % weight reduction with the impact and mechanical performance of heavier alternatives, and lower systems costs through its better warpage behaviour and improved processing.

• VW Air Intake Manifold (AIM): High-performance PP GB306 is the auto industry’s first use of PP for this application. It contributes to improved production cost-efficiency and lower overall production costs for AIM parts thanks to its lower processing temperatures and lighter weight/low density combination, which enable weight reductions of up to 15 % and less energy usage. Better acoustic performance and improved part recyclability are also achieved.

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Borealis will also highlight its on-going investment in supply capabilities and partnerships to strengthen its on-the-ground support for the automotive market. These include new compounding sites, such as a 50,000 tonnes plant in China for automotive engineering plastics through Borealis’ joint venture Borouge, a plant in Itatiba, Brazil, manufacturing and supply agreements with affiliates of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and sales agents located around the world. The opening of Borealis’ Innovation Headquarters in Linz, Austria with its one-stop-shop of research and development support and pre-testing facilities, adds to Borealis’ ability to boost innovation capability and speed to market.

More Information: www.borealisgroup.com

VDI-Tagung „Kunststoffe im Automobilbau“, 17.-18. March 2010, Mannheim, Stand 54

Borealis AG, Wien, Austria

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