The third-largest consumer of polymers, behind packaging and building & construction, is the automotive industry. As a result, modifications to the material utilized may have a significant impact on both the demand for polymers and the financial results of polymer producers.
Never before has plastic played such a crucial part in the development and production of automobiles. More inexpensive, lightweight, and fuel-efficient automobiles are in demand as a result of strict laws and evolving consumer preferences. Due to growing fuel prices and more stringent environmental restrictions, fuel efficiency has elevated to one of the most crucial considerations in automotive vehicle design. This will continue to fuel the demand for plastics in the automotive industry, together with strong demand for automobiles and rising disposable income in emerging economies.
A recent study found that a 10% decrease in vehicle weight results in a 6–8% reduction in fuel consumption. Automobile makers are currently using more sophisticated plastic materials to reduce weight and increase the fuel efficiency of automobiles as a result of current environmental and economic concerns.
In recent years, lightweighting trends for increased fuel efficiency and therefore lower greenhouse gas emissions have made plastic one of the essential materials needed for the structure, functionality, and safety of automobiles. Engineering plastics are employed in automobiles to minimize the mass of their parts since they offer greater design freedom than metals, while the excellent absorption qualities of plastics also enable the vehicle to satisfy tougher safety standards.
Changes in Demand Patterns of Automotive Plastics Exterior Parts
The fall in the usage of engineering plastics in recent years has somewhat countered the rise in the use of polymers like polypropylene (PP) and polyurethane (PU), which together make up roughly 50% of all plastics used in automobiles. Due to the lower demand for engineering plastics in under-the-hood applications for electric vehicles, where high-temperature resistance of engineering polymers is not as crucial as it is with internal combustion engines, the consumption of engineering plastics is predicted to fall. Instead, the battery mounts and housings in EVs will be made of polyamides.
The need for polypropylene will increase as it finds new uses in automotive interiors and exteriors, as well as replacing some metal components inside the engine. More EV production will also encourage growth because such vehicles will need lighter components to help balance out the weight of their large batteries.
The market for gasoline tanks has already been penetrated by HDPE gas tanks, which have replaced steel in developed nations, hence PE use has likewise remained flat. However, because electric battery engines do not require high-temperature performance from engineering polymers, electric vehicles may employ more PE in the engine parts.
As polystyrene and PP composites with enhanced characteristics continue to replace ABS in decorative interior parts that have traditionally been dominated by ABS, notably in the United States due to the material’s gloss, ABS consumption is anticipated to fall. In addition, the high cost of ABS has encouraged the use of polypropylene, which is less expensive. With consumers demanding a greater level of design, ABS consumption for the interior of some high-end vehicles may rise. The size of some modules, such the front grill, will be shrunk, which will reduce the consumption of ABS and balance out the overall consumption, especially in North America and Western Europe.
The growing use of automotive sensors (lenses) in autonomous vehicles will be the main driver of polycarbonate development, which will also be supported by regular vehicles’ increasing electrification and lighting needs.
Due to the smaller average size of cars in the region, Western Europe consumes less plastic per vehicle than the United States. China has the lowest plastic consumption (measured in kg per car) when compared to the other regions. In Western Europe and the US, the trends in plastic consumption are comparable. Given that it is starting from a lower foundation, China’s plastics consumption is anticipated to develop more quickly than that of other regions.
Types of Plastics Available For Automotive Plastics Exterior Parts
With the advent of electric vehicles, it is anticipated that the growth rates of plastics like PP, PA, PC, and PE would increase while the use of engineering plastics will decline. Engineering plastics turn out to be “losers” since the high-temperature performance of the majority of these polymers is not necessary for ICE parts like fuel systems or electric battery components. Given that China’s average plastics consumption is lower than that of Western nations, it is anticipated that China will experience higher growth rates.
1) Poly-Vinyl Chloride
Flexibility, excellent heat stability, flame retardancy, and a very low lead concentration are all characteristics of PVC. Depending on the kind and quantity of plasticizers employed, it can be blown molded, compressed molded, or injection molded to produce a wide range of hard or flexible plastic items. Automobile doors, electrical cable sheathing, and instrument panels are all made using it.
2) Polypropylene
The saturated polymer polypropylene is derived from the monomer propylene. The fact that polypropylene is resistant to acids, bases, and chemical solvents is one of its main advantages. Gas cans, carpet fibers, bumpers, wire insulation, and chemical storage tanks are just a few examples of their uses.
3) ABS
ABS is well-liked because it is inexpensive to produce and is simple for plastic makers to process. It is created by polymerizing acrylonitrile and styrene. Moreover, the plastic has a lustrous, impermeable surface thanks to the styrene. It performs admirably at both high and low temperatures, has excellent insulating qualities, and is simple to paint and glue. It is used in vehicle body elements like dashboards and wheel covers.
4) Polyamide
High mechanical qualities, rigidity, and water absorption are all characteristics of polyamide. It can be extruded and molded, making it a versatile polymer. Polyamides have several benefits, including high strength, abrasion resistance, and resilience. Gears, cams, bearings, and waterproof coatings are just a few of the parts of an automobile where it is used.
5) Polystyrene
Incredible chemical and electrical resistance can be found in polystyrene. It is simple to make, very elastic and softens when heated past the point at which glass transitions occur. Strength, elongation, impact strength, toughness, and modulus are a few of its mechanical characteristics. It is utilized in buttons, display bases, and automobile fittings.
6) POM (polyoxymethylene)
POM is a particular class of thermoplastic material that excels in dimensional stability, creep resistance, high heat resistance, and superior electrical and dielectric properties. It is a type of engineering material utilized in precision-needed parts. High-performance parts including gears, interior and exterior trim, and fuel systems are among the applications for POM.
7) Polycarbonate
Excellent thermal, electrical, impact, optical, and weathering qualities are provided by polycarbonate. It provides a distinctive blend of toughness, stiffness, and hardness. It is one of the best options for headlight lenses, bumpers, helmets, and bulletproof glass because of its extraordinary impact strength.
8) Polyethylene
High impact resistance, low density, and good toughness are all characteristics of polyethylene. It may be used in numerous thermoplastics processing techniques and is very versatile and cost-effective. It also resists moisture. Applications for it include reinforced glass and electrical insulation.
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