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Alkali resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and heat shock resistance are characteristics of PBT resin that make it suited for use in ADAS components.

Stephen Moore

July 15, 2020

2 Min Read
autonomous vehicle
Image: Polyplastics

As the automotive industry makes a strong shift to electric vehicles, global engineering plastics supplier Polyplastics sees strong potential for its innovative resin products in advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) components that enable autonomous driving. The company’s Duranex polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) materials — targeted for actuators and communication devices — deliver strong durability, alkali resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and heat shock resistance.


ADAS vehicle

Alkali resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and heat shock resistance are characteristics of PBT resin that make it suited for use in autonomous driving. Image courtesy of Polyplastics.

In by-wire systems, the actuator requires a higher level of reliability as ADAS parts become more sophisticated and electronic controls become automated. Polyplastics’ Duranex PBT is chosen for many electric actuator parts because it continues to perform even in harsh environments.

Underbody parts are exposed to water and snow melting agents from road surfaces as well as oil and other substances. These parts also heat up since they are close to the engine, motor, and other heat-generating parts. As a result, PBT is chosen in many actuator parts due to its high heat resistance, superior chemical resistance, and low rate of water absorption.

Duranex PBT 330HR, 531HS, and 532AR exhibit superior durability (hydrolysis resistance) to withstand conditions such as these. For example, Duranex 532AR has resistance to alkali matter and does not easily experience stress cracking even when in contact with rust fluid from metal. This makes it optimal for parts on the underside of cars.

In communications equipment, flame-retardant PBT resins are also in demand in electric motor applications exposed to high voltages, batteries, and charging parts. Duranex PBT 750AM is a UL V-0 grade with a high level of durability in car-mounted environments. Since it also possesses the ability to stabilize the shapes of cases and connectors, this grade is increasingly being used in auto parts that require flame retardancy in recent years.

 

 

About the Author(s)

Stephen Moore

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and is a proud dachshund owner.

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