TAGS: Automotive
The Japanese tech company Asahi Kasei is set to showcase cutting-edge materials for automotive uses at the German Rubber Conference DKT. This event for the rubber and elastomer industry in Europe will take place from July 1-4, 2024, in Nuremberg, Germany.
Contributes to Reducing the Usage of Toxic 6PPD
At the DKT 2024, Asahi Kasei will present its newly developed hydrogenated solution styrene butadiene rubber (HSBR). By applying selective hydrogenation, this material offers a remarkable combination of characteristics. This is because it retains some of the desirable properties of an SBR, such as good processability and compatibility, while also benefiting from an improved resistance to heat, aging, and chemicals due to the hydrogenation process.
Recent research indicates that functionalized HSBR could help reduce the use of 6PPD. 6PPD an antioxidant that protects polymers from aging but can break down into the harmful substance 6PPD-quinone. This compound becomes toxic to the environment when it contacts water. Additionally, hydrogenation increases the rubber’s hardness, which might decrease the need for filler materials like silica or carbon black.
The functionalized and selectively hydrogenated SBR is versatile, with potential applications spanning from high-performance tires to durable non-tire products like belts, hoses, and other rubber items that demand enhanced performance and longevity.
Explore all rubber grades from Asahi Kasei.
Novel SEBS Grade for Soft Touch Automotive Interior Surfaces
Asahi Kasei will present an innovative approach utilizing a tailor designed thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (SEBS) grade for automotive interior surfaces, which require good haptics and soft touch.
Conventional approaches use different materials and production technologies for skin, foam and core layers in automotive instrument panels, door panels, armrests or center consoles. The new SEBS material is suitable for both skin and foam layers, which can be molded in one step by utilizing a core back injection molding process. The connection to the polypropylene (PP)-based core layer is possible in the same or separate injection molding step. The strong chemical bonding between all layers eliminates the need for additional adhesive layers. Asahi Kasei’s new SEBS contributes to reducing the total number of materials, simplifying the manufacturing process, and improving the recyclability of interior components.
Furthermore, Asahi Kasei will introduce other
SEBS/SBBS materials available to serve a wide variety of applications in various industries.
Asahi Kasei will exhibit in Hall 8, booth 101.
Source: Asahi Kasei
