Automotive
Where conventional materials reach their limits, Elastollan® in vehicles can make all the difference. It is noted for its excellent haptics and mechanics, as well as its superior long-term durability and resistance to weathering. It gives freedom for a lot of design possibilities. Its strength lies in its versatility: the properties of Elastollan® can be readjusted and recombined time and again – depending on the application and the specific requirements of the component. For example, it shows high temperature as well as good media resistance and has superior dynamic properties. Its damping behavior is excellent as is its resistance against abrasion, scratch and wear.
Advanced exterior trim parts can be realized with Elastollan® HPM. Its freedom of design and long-term durability together with attractive haptics and a high-class appearance are advantageous. The new material combines the properties of conventional TPU, such as good tensile strength and abrasion resistance, elasticity, excellent impact resistance at low temperatures and high media resistance, with new features: It has outstanding surface properties even at low wall thicknesses, is scratch-, UV- and weather-resistant and easy to clean.
Many polymers suffer from aggressive media like sweat, sun cream or detergents. Elastollan® is not affected by these and offers a long-lasting, scratch-resistant surface with a smooth, flexible touch. Thanks to Elastollan®, interior door handles stand out for their high-quality look as well as good touch properties and long service life. Gear lever knobs made of Elastollan® offer a hand-friendly surface structure, are abrasion-resistant and show excellent mechanical and chemical strength.
The TPU slush material from the Elastollan® portfolio offers a plug-in solution in convenient skin slush production. In contrast to PVC, Elastollan® shows uniform properties in hot and cold environments, enabling safe airbag deployment at all conditions. Elastollan® contains no plasticizers, which are known to cause problems with emissions, discolorations and ageing. Depending on design, skin thicknesses down to 0.6mm are possible.
Speed sensor cables for ABS and ESP systems use outer-sheathings of Elastollan® to provide a secure flow of information – even in the area of the wheel house, close to the axle, which is at risk of impact from stones and exposure to water, vibration and cold. BASF thermoplastic polyurethane is also used in cable coverings for electric parking brakes, battery cables and rearview cameras.
New mobility concepts require innovative materials. Charging cables for electric vehicles also need cable sheathings ensuring a strong resistance to UV, weather, ozone and microbes. In order to make the charging process safe, cables should be made flame retardant without halogens, must be able to form a coil and must be flexible. Elastollan® is perfect for this complex requirements profile. Elastollan® further sets itself apart from other materials by being recyclable.
