Polypropylene and Polyamide Developments in the European Automotive Industry

The priorities for the development of cars were never so quickly changed than in the last 10 years. Whereas safety was the main target in the 1970's, it is now energy saving. Therefore plastics consumption has increased tremendously. Main contenders are POLYPROPYLENE and POLYAMIDES. Recently developed items in POLYPROPYLENE for the bumper systems, for seats, for fascias and interior trim applications are discussed. POLYAMIDE developments are mainly based on under bonnet applications like header tanks and airfilter parts, but also get wider acceptance for exterior parts.