Chinaplas: Dow Performance Silicones debuts anti-squeak additive for automotive interior applications

Dow Performance Silicones has introduced a new silicone-based technology for minimizing squeaking noise in automotive interiors. The new additive, HMB-1903, is designed for use in polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) alloys and delivers excellent anti-squeak performance without the need for post-treatments that can negatively affect cost, design freedom and processing efficiency. The additive permanently reduces coefficient of friction (COF) in PC/ABS parts to avoid noise in the vehicle cabin. It was also developed to not adversely affect colored parts where it may be deployed, even if the part color is piano black.

According to Christophe Paulo, Industrial and Consumer Strategic Marketer, EMEA at Dow Performance Silicones’ Transportation and Advanced Polymers Division, PC/ABS is the major source of squeaks in car interiors. “Our additive is also designed for various counter-materials including polyamide and polypropylene, and will not contribute in any way to cabin VOCs. It’s also designed to work over the lifetime of the vehicle.”

“With the auto market shifting increasingly to the use of hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is becoming more noticeable. Furthermore, in self-driving cars that will be used for entertainment and relaxation in addition to transportation,” NVH becomes more intrusive explains Paulo. “To minimize squeaking noise, we’ve developed a cost effective alternative to less flexible solutions such as coatings, external greases, felt or ready-to-use chemically-modified PC/ABS where you would be tied to a specific material.” He adds: “Our additive also improves wear resistance.” HMB-1903 can be added directly at the press or incorporated into compounds.