Materials News

Lightweight nylon foam for automotives

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Zotek NA30 has better high temperature performance properties and has a maximum operational temperature of 170°C making it ideal for applications within the engine compartment, such as undershields and bonnet liners, engine insulation, air ducting and a variety of die cut and thermoformed spacers.

A further outstanding property is the product's inherent tolerance to hydrocarbons, oils, greases, brake fluids etc making it ideal for automotive applications that may come into contact with fuels, lubricants or functional fluids, says the company.

The company also says functional foam components are now used throughout the vehicle for many applications and being crosslinked, Zotek N can be thermoformed into complex shapes that provide mechanical functionality in addition to sealing, thermal and acoustic insulation properties.

The foams are already being used in composite constructions for under bonnet applications and a major manufacturer is developing lightweight climate control ducting using the combined mechanical strength and insulative properties of the foam.

Zotefoams's manufacturing process uses only nitrogen gas as the foaming agent, without any chemical foaming agents therefore removing VOCs, the major cause of both fogging and odour in foams.