3M and Dyneon: Lightweight materials for the automotive industry

The first product application, radial shaft seals, is currently undergoing testing at the Institute of Machine Components at the University of Stuttgart. According to the company, the results to date have been very promising. Compared to component materials currently available on the market the new materials show low permeation, improved resistance to friction and wear, as well as smoother finishes. Other targeted application fields are flat gaskets. They show a very good resistance to deformation under load when produced with the new compound technology, says the company.

Another highlight will be the primer-free FKM-PA 46 composites made of DSM Stanyl PA 46 and a Dyneon fluoroelastomer. The composite is lightweight, strong and resistant to aggressive substances (oils, fuel) and heat (up to 200 °C) making it an alternative to metal and metal-elastomer composite materials for the automotive industry, particularly for power train components. It is manufactured using a two-component injection moulding process prior to vulcanisation.

As additives to PP and PA in demanding injection moulding applications, the 3M glass bubbles iM16K allow for formulations with lower density without compromising durability or other physical properties. The product, which was specially developed for compounding and injection moulding processes, boasts an isostatic compression resistance of over 1,100 bar. At a density of 0.46 g/cm³, these spheres can help reduce the weight of parts depending on fill level and formulation by up to 18 %. As the bubbles are hollow, less molten polymer needs to be cooled which can lead to up to 25 % shorter cycle times.

Hall 5, stand B10