Abstract
Keywords - Thermoplastics, Glass-filled, Long Glass Fiber, TPO, Injection Molding
The automotive industry, a large user of thermoplastics and thermosets polymers, is influenced by a number of societal needs. The dynamics involved in offering cost effective, appealing and safe vehicles globally results in constant change for the OEMs and the suppliers. Some of the driving forces currently influencing product design are: design modularity, increasing safety regulations, weight reduction, noise/vibration control, manufacturability/styling, corrosion resistance, recycle content (End of Vehicle Life - EVL), and emission reduction. These, of course, must be met at a cost that ensures customer access. The success of plastics in this industry is a result of constant innovation. This paper will focus on linking technology enabled advancements in polymer systems to vehicle performance such as: engineered polymers with advanced aesthetics and weather resistance, durability improvements in polypropylene compounds, new cost effective PP blends produced at the molder´s machine, and structural applications and long glass fiber reinforced resins.