Mar 23 2009
ExxonMobil Chemical’s Exxtral™ performance polyolefins have been specified for the front and rear bumpers of the new Renault Laguna Coupe. Exxtral BMU131 performance polyolefin is being used for the front bumper, front grille and headlight trim, and Exxtral BMU133 polyolefin for the rear bumper.
“The main challenge in meeting Renault’s specifications was developing a specialty compound for the front bumper which provides outstanding fit and finish,” said Samuel Deboos, automotive sales manager, Europe, ExxonMobil Chemical. “Exxtral BMU131 polyolefin met their expectations.”
Exxtral BMU131 polyolefin is a UV-stable grade exhibiting excellent aesthetics because of its broad processing window that helps to eliminate large-part injection molding challenges such as “tiger stripes.” Requiring no mixing or blending at the molding presses, these ready-to-inject, fast-cycling grades can improve productivity and deliver cost-savings.
Both grades are characterized by a unique impact strength that provides the essential balance between stiffness and toughness required for bumper applications. They offer a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) for excellent dimensional stability.
The Laguna Coupe application is an excellent example of collaboration between the automotive original equipment manufacturer (Renault), the Tier One supplier (Plastic Omnium), and the specialty compound supplier (ExxonMobil Chemical) to meet expectations across the supply chain.
At Plastic Omnium’s design center in Sainte-Julie near Lyon, France, ExxonMobil Chemical provided technical assistance to demonstrate the capabilities of the Exxtral BMU131 and BMU133 polyolefin grades. Exxtral performance polyolefins have also been specified for bumper applications on the 2006 Renault Espace and 2007 Renault Laguna.
“ExxonMobil Chemical’s portfolio of Exxtral performance polyolefins is becoming increasingly popular with automotive designers and processors looking for new materials that offer opportunities to reduce weight and cost without sacrificing performance,” Deboos said.