10 Aug 2004
Automakers adopt new scratch-resistant TPOs from Borealis for car interiors
With the introduction of Borealis thermoplastic olefin grades, (TPOs) EE137AE and EE137HP, Borealis has created an innovative, scratch-resistant injection-moulding compound specifically designed for automotive interiors and similar demanding applications. The scratch-resistant nature of the polypropylene (PP) compounds is the result of engineering as much performance as possible into the base resin while minimising fillers and additives. In addition, the remaining fillers and additives benefit from proprietary formulations to further enhance properties of the new grades.
“Thermoplastics for automotive interior applications have increasingly called for a complex mix of properties,” said Robert Füreder, Segment Leader Interior, Borealis. “Injection-moulded parts not destined for foil decoration or painting require high surface and touch aesthetics, low gloss, and scratch resistance. Low emissions are needed to prevent window fogging and meet other ergonomic and environmental requirements. The new Borealis TPO- grades meet or exceed these specifications.”
The new formulations directly address the shortcomings of earlier TPOs and have been rapidly accepted by key automakers and suppliers in Europe. Borealis is the sole supplier of TPO for the recently launched Fiat Panda, Idea and Lancia Y-door cladding and instrument panels. In addition, Borealis is supplying the middle console in Volkswagen’s 2005. Johnson Controls and Kendrion among others have also adopted the material for a variety of components.
In addition to excellent scratch resistance, these specialised grades exhibit low gloss, high flow, low density, odour, emissions, and fogging. The grades are related—EE137HP is a shrinkage-modified version of EE137AE.
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Notes for editors
Borealis is a leading supplier of enhanced polyolefin plastics - polyethylene and polypropylene - producing more than 3.5 million tonnes per year. These highly versatile plastics are converted into thousands of everyday products such as packaging, automotive components and building materials.
Borealis has its head office in Denmark and production sites in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the USA. Research and development is consolidated at four Innovation Centres, and customers are served through nine European Customer Service Centres. We employ around 5,000 people.
Borealis is owned 50% by the Norwegian oil company, Statoil, and 50% by IOB Holdings, owned equally by OMV, the Austrian oil and natural gas group, and by the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of Abu Dhabi.
Borealis is a registered trademark of Borealis A/S, Denmark.
Learn more about Borealis at www.borealisgroup.com
Visit us at K2004 - Hall 06 stand C58 - in Düsseldorf October 20-27
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With the introduction of Borealis thermoplastic olefin grades (TPOs) EE137AE and EE137HP, Borealis has created an innovative, scratch-resistant injection-moulding compound specifically designed for automotive interiors and similar demanding applications