AUTOMOTIVE
& E-MOBILIty
Radiation crosslinked plastics in automotive applications
The ambition to reduce energy consumption and emissions to improve energy efficiency is driving force behind the increased use of lightweight materials in automotive engineering. In vehicle construction, lightweight plastics are increasingly replacing metals. The plastic components save weight and thus improve the carbon footprint (CFP). In the past, the vehicle interior was the main domain of plastics, but now the focus is shifting to applications on the drivetrain, battery and body. Lightweight construction is also a key factor in electric cars. This is the only way to compensate for the weight of the heavy battery and the associated components.
Innovations in the field of electrics and electronics (E&E) also play a decisive role in modern vehicle development. The increasing requirements for functionality, safety, reliability and comfort also increase the demands on the E&E components used and the corresponding materials. Radiation crosslinked plastics are already making a significant contribution in this context.
Plastics will continue to be a key material in automotive engineering in the future. And radiation crosslinked, inexpensive standard plastics and engineering plastics can also meet the complex material requirements in this environment.
Flexible selection of thermoplastic materials.
Optimized material properties through irradiation.
Extended lifetime of the applications in use.
Lower material, process and manufacturing costs compared to high-performance plastics.
Irradiation is the final manufacturing step after shaping.
Are you interested in radiation crosslinking for automotive applications? We would be happy to check your request for the irradiation of your products.
In the engine compartment or exhaust tract, plastics must be able to withstand high thermal, mechanical and chemical loads. In the past, they were often unable to do this. In addition to high-performance plastics, radiation crosslinked standard plastics and engineering plastics can also meet many requirements. Especially when the components are fiber-reinforced.
The accelerated development towards e-mobility is opening additional opportunities for plastics in automotive engineering. Examples include lightweight battery housings, cable systems and connectors. However, the demands on the material are also increasing in this area. The materials used in electric cars must provide good electrical insulation and be particularly stable over the long term and resistant to ageing. Standard polymers as well as engineering plastics can be radiation crosslinked.
What potential do radiation crosslinked plastics have? Find the answers here!
Well-known car manufacturers have used radiation crosslinked plastics in series production for many years. Applications include media-conducting systems in combustion engines that have to withstand complex mixtures of oil, exhaust gas, lubricants, brake fluid, fuel and coolant. For all these components, the requirements in terms of temperature and media resistance are high, but can be met with e.g. radiation crosslinked polyamides (PA6, PA66, PA610, PA410). Further examples: pressure vessels made of PE, axle boots or bellows.
The development towards e-mobility is opening new possibilities for radiation crosslinked plastics. Although various plastic parts are no longer used in the engine compartment, new applications are being added elsewhere in the electric drivetrain. Examples can be found in the battery housings and their brackets, in the form of plug connectors, screw connections, various covers, power cable systems, or in the electric motors. In electric cars, lightweight construction plays a central role in compensating for the additional weight of the battery, among other things. Plastics will therefore continue to be a key material in automotive engineering.
To be cost-effective, radiation crosslinking must be seamlessly integrated into existing process chains. We show you how in this webinar recording.
High mechanical strength, even at high temperatures, and excellent resistance to ageing have so far been the specialty of high-performance plastics.
However, these materials are expensive and complex to process. This is where radiation crosslinking offers an economical solution. It also allows cost-effective and already established materials such as polyamide (PA) to be used for sophisticated automotive components. The radiation crosslinking of standard plastics therefore helps to reduce raw material costs. The success speaks for itself: numerous renowned automotive manufacturers have been using radiation crosslinked plastics in series production for years.