TAGS: Automotive Metal Replacement
Asahi Kasei has newly developed the polyamide beads foam suitable for noise reduction and lightweight applications in the automotive industry; and comes as an alternative material for aluminum and metal in structural applications. This innovation also offers solutions to automotive industry’s challenges for stiffness, mechanical strength and heat resistance for the use in structural lightweight applications of cars.
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Asahi Kasei introduces new possibilities of foam materials by launching the PA Foam with unprecedented high heat resistance to the market. The noise reduction properties resulting from the special shape of the beads will meet the growing demand regarding applications that reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)”, Takauji Namatame, Senior Manager of the Corporate R&D Division at Asahi Kasei Europe explains.
Properties of Newly Developed PA Foam
The PA Foam features the typical heat, chemical and oil resistant properties of polyamide, mixed with an outstanding rigidity or noise reducing quality – depending on the shape of the beads. PA Foam consisting of round-shaped beads features a strong rigidity, making it a promising alternative material for aluminum and metal in structural applications, as well as for use for insulators, ducts, spacers, or other lightweight parts of the battery case of electrified vehicles.
PA Foam with a C- or macaroni-shape provides noise insulation in addition to the typical polyamide properties. Used for engine covers, it does not only contribute to lightweight, but also significantly reduces the radiating engine noise, making the car quieter in total.
These noise reduction qualities of the foam also contribute to an enhanced comfort inside the car. The PA Foam can significantly contribute to the quality of this new in-vehicle living space – for example to the insulation and reduction of noise radiating from the car itself, but also to reduce noise coming from the outside. Possible applications can be found in the roof and bonnet, but also in the seat and floor structure.
Foam beads made of polyamide can be processed in a steam molding process on standard polystyrene molding equipment. Furthermore, a significant reduction of resin for the production process can be achieved, contributing to an overall cost reduction.
About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei, one of the fully integrated polyamide manufacturers worldwide, produces PA 6.6 completely from monomer to compound.
Source: Asahi Kasei Corporation