American chemicals company LyondellBasell (LYB) has developed a new Schulamid ET100 solutions line, a polyamide-based compound designed for automotive interior structural solutions, such as door window frames.
Schulamid ET100 is engineered for enhanced surface aesthetics, utilizing melt flow characteristics. This facilitates easy injection molding and demolding of thin-wall complex parts, which reduces surface defects, stress marks and floating fibers. Additionally, the material is designed with improved durability to ensure that parts perform well during manufacturing and in long-term use.
In terms of structural integrity, the solutions are available with various glass fiber reinforcements to provide suitable rigidity. This ensures firm assembly and eliminates noise, even when vehicles are running at high speeds. The material also supports customizable styling.
The solutions have also been designed to feature lower density compared to conventional structural materials, to promote lightweight vehicle construction. Moreover, this eliminates the need for painting, thereby reducing volatile organic compound emissions associated with the painting process.
Caroline Cathelin, global innovation director of advanced polymer solutions at LYB, said, “We are committed to improving current technologies to shape the future of automotive interior applications by introducing new solutions to support our customers in addressing industry challenges. The Schulamid ET100 line exemplifies this dedication by delivering superior performance through differentiated solutions.”
The Schulamid ET100 GF15 grade has already been successfully implemented in window frames by Chinese OEM brands.
