(LANXESS) -- The megatrend towards electric and hybrid vehicles is opening up varied and promising areas of application for Durethan polyamides and Pocan polybutylene terephthalates (PBT) from Lanxess. ⌠We anticipate that the potential for lightweight designs offered by our high-tech plastics will be harnessed even more effectively in the future to significantly cut the weight of vehicles. We also expect numerous new applications to be opened up for batteries and electrical and electronic components, some with completely new requirements in terms of the materials used, said Ralf Zimnol, head of Application Development in the Semi-Crystalline Products business unit. Lanxess is already working closely with system suppliers and automakers to develop innovative yet cost-effective technical solutions in response to the megatrend of electromobility.
Lanxess high-tech plastics are perfect for the production of battery trays, for example. These structural parts bear the weight of the battery and attach it to the bodywork. They need to be lightweight while also exhibiting a high absorption capacity for crash energy. Lanxess' plastic-metal composite technology based on polyamide 6 and sheet steel or aluminum is perfect for meeting these requirements. Also known as hybrid technology, these lightweight plastic designs usually weigh between 20 and 30 percent less than similar sheet steel solutions.