DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS EXTENDS DIABLO FAMILY FOR FURTHER WEIGHT REDUCTION IN AUTOMOTIVE UNDER-THE-BONNET APPLICATIONS

Following the successful introduction in 2007 of Stanyl Diablo OCD2100, a high performance grade of Stanyl for under-the-bonnet (UTB) applications, DSM will showcase two new Diablo high heat resins at K 2010: Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 and Akulon Diablo. Both new products are a direct response to some of the main trends in the automotive industry, including weight reduction. The new materials also facilitate system cost optimizations and productivity gains, long term sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

Stanyl Diablo OCD2300

Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 is a unique high heat PA46 material, developed specifically to meet the need for long term temperature resistance at elevated temperatures. Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 joins the family of Stanyl PA46 grades that offer a revolutionary improvement in long term thermal stability. This technology, developed and patented by DSM, extends the functional life of components well beyond the limits of other high temperature polyamides. By limiting thermal oxidative breakdown, Stanyl Diablo withstands more than 3,000 hours at aging temperatures of 230°C before its tensile strength is less than half of its initial value.

Requirements for Under the Bonnet (UTB) applications are changing constantly. Environmental requirements, EURO V and VI legislation and the call for reduced fuel consumption have resulted in significant changes, e.g. the use of smaller engines with higher turbo pressures and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). As a consequence, automobile UTB components such as air ducts, air intake manifolds and charge air cooler end-caps are exposed to continuously rising operating temperatures. With increasingly critical temperature and tougher life time requirements, long term service life of components made from current thermoplastics can be at risk. Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 is currently the only high performance PA that can withstand these temperatures whilst offering better mechanical properties than other high performance polymers for these types of applications.

Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 was recently tested, validated and released by a German OEM for use in application up to 230°C CUT, where key applications include resonators, hot charge airducts and charge air cooler end-caps.

Christian Kilgus, Business Development Manager for DSM Engineering Plastics says: “Stanyl Diablo OCD2100 and OCD2300 outperform current high heat resins on high temperature stability, but also on weldability, weld strength and the weld’s long term heat stability. Part design and function can be reached more easily and, more importantly, UTB part reliability can be guaranteed for the lifetime required.” Stanyl materials are easy to process. During injection molding, tool temperatures of 80°C and melt temperatures around 300°C are normally used. Short cycle times can be achieved to reduce system costs.

Akulon Diablo

To complete its Diablo portfolio, DSM will also be introducing Akulon Diablo, a high heat PA6 material. This high performance grade of Akulon was developed specifically for use in air\fuel systems, which may be subject to temperatures of up to 210°C continuous use, even 230°C over shorter periods. Akulon Diablo is currently being sampled and will be commercially available later this year.

Ralph Ramaekers, Global Manager, Powertrain Engine/Transmission & Turbo for DSM Engineering Plastics, says: “The addition of both Stanyl Diablo OCD2300 and Akulon Diablo significantly increases metal replacement options for UTB applications. Our Diablo portfolio now allows us to meet all the needs of the supply chain for air ducts. In addition, we also offer our standard Akulon PA6 solutions, Akulon Flex PA6 specifically tailored for flexible ducts and Arnitel TPE for clean air ducts. So we can now offer single-source solutions for all ducts, end caps and resonators. And we have extensive application knowledge to support customers with CAE, design and design optimization so they can meet OEM requirements.”

DSM has an established reputation for delivering eco-efficient automotive solutions, offering CO₂/emission/fuel consumption reduction via metal-to-plastic conversion in applications such as air inlet manifolds and air ducts.

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Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of quality engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These markets are served with a broad portfolio of high performance materials including Akulon® and Novamid® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46 polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTii™ and has expanded her portfolio with two bio-based, high performance engineering plastics, EcoPaXX™ and Arnitel Eco. DSM Engineering Plastics had sales in 2009 of EUR 648 million and employs some 1600 people worldwide More on:www.dsmep.com.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

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