Ethylene/acrylic elastomer fast replacing rubber in auto hosing, tubing

DuPont Performance Polymers (Wilmington, DE) intends to increase the polymer finishing capacity for its Vamac ethylene/acrylic elastomer by 50% in response to strong and growing demand for use in automotive powertrain applications, such as turbo charger hoses, air ducts, oil cooler hoses, tubing and gaskets.

Demand for elastomeric rubber replacement driven by fuel efficiency and emission legislation.

"The industry's drive to improve the performance of smaller, more efficient engines to meet fuel economy and emissions regulations is driving up temperatures under the hood," said Patrick Ferronato, global automotive manager for DuPont Performance Polymers.  "Vamac  is a natural replacement for conventional rubbers due to its excellent heat and oil resistance."

DuPont has invested repeatedly in Vamac for the past 15 years, significantly expanding capacity to meet growing demand primarily in the automotive industry. The new finishing line will be located in La Porte, TX, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011 with product available in 2012.  

"Vamac  products manufactured from this new line are expected to be fully equivalent to existing grades," said Alfonso Garces, global elastomers product manager DuPont Performance Polymers.  "This investment reinforces DuPont's commitment to the elastomers business."-[email protected]