Development and Application of a Reduced Thermal Expansion Polycarbonate/ABS Engineering Thermoplastic Blend for Automotive Exterior Body Panels

A novel engineering thermoplastic polymer has been developed for use in automotive exterior body panels. This material provides a unique combination of properties including reduced thermal expansion compared to conventional thermoplastics, Class A surface aesthetics, excellent part dimensional stability and reproducibility, a superior balance of mechanical properties, and good processability. This paper describes the development of this material and its application in exterior door panels.