RIM Parts for Automobiles - Life Cycle Energy and Ecobalance

In automotive construction, polyurethanes, are key materials in weight reduction and improvement of aerodynamic characteristics, both of which are crucial to the improvement in fuel economy of automobiles, and hence conservation of energy resources and reduction of harmful emissions.

Recycling of polyurethane materials results in further reduction of the energy requirements for materials such as RIM fascia. Inclusion of 10% recycled process scrap into the formulation results in a corresponding 10% reduction in the energy requirements for the part. Further energy savings can be realized by recovering the thermal energy //28-32 MJ/kg (12,000-14,000 BTU/lb)// embodied in the RIM parts at the end of their useful life. This reduces the total energy bill for polyurethane parts an additional 25-30%, further solidifying the position of RIM polyurethanes as a material of choice in energy conserving, light weight, aerodynamic automotive parts.