Dow Performance Silicones has introduced a new silicone-based technology for minimizing squeaking noise in automotive interiors. The new additive, HMB-1903, is designed for use in polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) alloys and delivers excellent anti-squeak performance without the need for post-treatments that can negatively affect cost, design freedom and processing efficiency. The additive permanently reduces coefficient of friction (COF) in PC/ABS parts to avoid noise in the vehicle cabin. It was also developed to not adversely affect colored parts where it may be deployed, even if the part color is piano black.

Anti-squeak additives are becoming increasingly important in the auto sector with increased penetration of quieter electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as autonomous vehicles according to Dow Performance Silicones’ Christophe Paulo.

According to Christophe Paulo, Industrial and Consumer Strategic Marketer, EMEA at Dow Performance Silicones’ Transportation and Advanced Polymers Division, PC/ABS is the major source of squeaks in car interiors. “Our additive is also designed for various counter-materials including polyamide and polypropylene, and will not contribute in any way to cabin VOCs. It’s also designed to work over the lifetime of the vehicle.”

“With the auto market shifting increasingly to the use of hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is becoming more noticeable. Furthermore, in self-driving cars that will be used for entertainment and relaxation in addition to transportation,” NVH becomes more intrusive explains Paulo. “To minimize squeaking noise, we’ve developed a cost effective alternative to less flexible solutions such as coatings, external greases, felt or ready-to-use chemically-modified PC/ABS where you would be tied to a specific material.” He adds: “Our additive also improves wear resistance.” HMB-1903 can be added directly at the press or incorporated into compounds.

Shanghai, China — Manufacturers are increasingly choosing vinyl resins for both LED lighting and appliance applications according to compounder PolyOne. The company’s material offerings will be featured at Chinaplas, which kicks off in Shanghai April 24, along with examples of how they are integrated with processing and design services to accelerate product development.

In the LED lighting space, PolyOne’s Resilience LS rigid vinyl polymers have achieved several breakthroughs in multiple market segments.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge uses a non-halogenated solution for medium- and low-voltage power cables.

In the LED lighting space, PolyOne’s Resilience LS rigid vinyl polymers have achieved several breakthroughs in multiple market segments, including landscape lighting, vehicle lamps, UV-resistant pool and spa lighting, and architectural luminaires. The materials are formulated to meet applicable UL flame rating standards while also providing anti-yellowing performance, chemical resistance and outstanding light diffusion.

Pre-colored Geon FX Metal rigid vinyl allows manufacturers to achieve a bold metallic look without the limitations, costs and environmental challenges seen with other methods, such as plating, painting or film lamination according to PolyOne. When paired with new brilliant metallic colorants, these materials streamline production with no trade-offs in appearance.

“Our proven materials expertise, coupled with extensive design and processing experience, gives our customers the assistance they need from start to finish,” says Jim Mattey, global marketing director, Performance Products & Solutions for PolyOne. “Appliance and LED lighting makers are leveraging our considerable insights, innovative technologies, and collaborative approach to drive success.”

At Chinaplas, PolyOne will also showcase how it helped Keystone Electric Wire & Cable Co. Ltd. to meet stringent specifications and an aggressive timeline as a major supplier to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project. PolyOne’s ECCOH low-smoke and fume, non-halogen flame-retardant material for wire and cable enabled Keystone to quickly manufacture and deliver medium- and low-voltage power cables that complied with safety, performance, reliability and environmental requirements.

“When Keystone was awarded four projects associated with the bridge and Hong Kong Boundary Control Points buildings, we needed a supplier that could fulfill our exacting requirements for jacketing and insulation material – and deliver quickly,” said Emil Yu, general manager for Keystone. “PolyOne’s low-smoke, non-halogenated ECCOH material met strict specifications for mechanical properties, and successfully passed testing for flame and smoke resistance. PolyOne also offered the hands-on technical support and short lead times that Keystone needed to meet our deadline for delivering our cables to the installer.”

PolyOne‘s ECCOH material met Keystone’s requirements for excellent electrical and mechanical properties, long-term aging reliability, flame retardance to improve safety in the event of fire (IEC-60332-24), and a non-halogen formulation to meet environmental standards (IEC-60574). Further, PolyOne’s local production capability expedited delivery times to help Keystone keep to a tight schedule.

Woon-Keat Moh, general manager, Specialty Engineered Materials Asia for PolyOne, said, “Our advanced thermoplastic formulations help wire and cable manufacturers meet demands for better performance and safety, while also meeting necessary environmental requirements. We can improve supply chain logistics to streamline manufacturing, and our regional production facilities accelerate turnaround for customers in Asia Pacific. Our success with Keystone is just one example of how we are helping customers to win in this region.” 

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a system made up of three cable-stayed bridges and one undersea tunnel, as well as three artificial islands. It spans the Lingdingyang channel that connects Hong Kong with Macau and Zhuhai, three major cities on the Pearl River Delta in China. It is scheduled to open in Q2 2018.