At VDI Plastics in Automotive Engineering 2015 conference, Polyolefins specialist Borealis and Borouge will show off a new Daplen solution developed in cooperation with BMW for the front bumper of the electric car BMW i8.
For the production of this revolutionary electric sports car BMW i8, BMW required a lightweight bumper material with good processability. Commercially launched in the last quarter of 2014, the new-generation Daplen EE112AE provides easy processability for low production scrap rate as well as reduced density, noted Borealis.
The material is a 12% mineral-filled elastomer modified polypropylene (PP) compound. As said, it fulfills BMW’s stringent paint adhesion quality requirements for primerless paint systems in their in-house manufacturing operation. The good impact/stiffness balance provided by Daplen EE112AE also enables a low part weight.
Another Borealis’ material, Fibremod GB215HP, is being used in the BMW i8 IP carrier. A 20% long glass fiber reinforced PP grade, Fibremod GB215HP provides strong strength, high stiffness and outstanding energy absorption in high speed deformation.
“We are pleased to be able to use VDI Mannheim as a stage to highlight our leading-edge innovations and communicate our global expansion efforts,” said Harald Hammer, Borealis Vice President Engineering Applications. “New grades and material solutions developed in cooperation with our partners in the automotive industry are helping reduce vehicle weight, making enhanced efficiency and sustainability all the more feasible.”
The expansion of Borealis’ facility in Itatiba, near São Paulo, Brazil has completed at the end of 2014, added Mr Hammer.
VDI Plastics in Automotive Engineering 2015 conference will be held in Mannheim, Germany from March 18-19.
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