LANXESS, a specialty chemicals firm, has developed a mixture of polycarbomate (PC) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) for application in truck industry. The new Pocan C 1202 non-reinforced material is ideal for manufacturing truck components such as uncoated radiator grille and has been proven to be highly efficient in an initial application.
Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik, German-based plastic components manufacturer for vehicles, uses the material to manufacture radiator grilles. The radiator grille has been fixed in FM series trucks by Volvo Trucks. The Pocan C 1202, which has greater toughness level, enables the radiator grille to resist stone chippings and mechanical stresses. It also provides weather-resistant surface with high-quality and avoids the requirement for component coating. In addition, the Pocan C 1202 is also resistant to various media, including liquid coolant, road salt, battery acid, grease, diesel, oil and AdBlue urea solutions.
As the radiator grille has extremely large dimensions, it is difficult to fit it in an injection-molded component. Hence, an appropriate mold is chosen and filled by utilizing cascade technology. The excellent flow characteristic of the LANXESS’ material offers positive results even with high toughness level. The material reduces distortion and helps to produce fine grain pattern on the surface of the radiator grille. In addition, it makes it easy to remove the component from the mold and causes low shrinkage.
Artificial weathering tests conducted on the LANXESS’ PBT blend demonstrated that it meets the UV stability requirements based on Volvo specification. The company has also developed several new PBT grades for applications in bumpers, wind deflectors, A pillars, fenders, and others.
Source: http://lanxess.in/