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The critical performance differences among commonly used automotive thermoplastic polyamides – nylon 6, nylon 6,6 and PPA – and the compatibility of fluoroelastomers with alternative fuels are among DuPont Automotive technical papers prepared for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress, which opens in Detroit today.

“The drive to improve fuel economy and to reduce CO2 emissions is encouraging automotive designers and engineers to critically rethink many components and systems,” said Karla Butler, DuPont Automotive Performance Materials marketing and development director in the Americas.  “Nylon and PPA products, which we market as DuPont™ Zytel® nylon and Zytel® HTN PPA, are often used under the hood to replace metal for weight reduction, parts integration and cost benefit.  As temperatures, chemical exposure and structural requirements all increase, it is now even more important to understand the strengths of each polymer family to ensure optimal performance.”

“Polyamide Resin Technologies for High Temperature and Automotive Chemical Exposure Environments,” by DuPont Engineering Polymers developers John Gavenonis and Joshua McIlvaine, explores performance characteristics of some of the automotive industry’s main thermoplastic resins – polyamides.  In particular, the session focuses on the results of mechanical-property testing of PPA, nylon 6,6 and nylon 6 in automotive coolant and engine oil exposure at ambient and elevated temperatures.

The paper will be presented at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 23, as part of the day-long session called: “Advances in Plastic Components, Processes and Technologies,” focused on lightweight design.  It can also be ordered through SAE on line at: http://www.sae.org/polyamide_resin.

Similarly, the drive to improve fuel economy and to reduce CO2 emissions is hastening the use of alternate, sustainable, renewable fuels.  Volume swell and physical properties of various Viton® fluoroelastomers from DuPont Performance Elastomers after exposure to alcohol-fuel blends are reviewed in the paper “Fluoroelastomer Compatibility with Bioalcohol Fuels,” by Eric W. Thomas of DuPont Performance Elastomers.

The fluoroelastomer polymers were chosen to cover the available range of fluorine content and low-temperature flexibility.  Blends of biobutanol and bioethanol with Fuel C are evaluated.  There will be no oral presentation for this paper, but it is available through SAE on-line at: http://www.sae.org/fluoroelastomer_compatibility.

DuPont Automotive offers more than 100 products to the global automotive industry and through its global application development network is committed to delivering cost-effective solutions to help reduce vehicle weight for better fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions, to integrate part functionality to simplify assembly and eliminate cost; and help bring invention to market fast, better and more cost-effectively.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Other papers to be given by DuPont:

Monday, April 20, 4:30 p.m.
“Thermal Management Systems HFO-1234yf Low GWP Refrigerant LCCP Analysis,” Mary Koban
Order online: http://www.sae.org/thermal_management