HYDROCEROL® CHEmiCaL FOaming agEnts – autOmOtivE Page 1 of 2

Achieving Mass Reduction for Automobile Interiors HYDROCEROL® CHEmiCaL FOaming agEnts

new, easy-to-use HYDROCEROL® chemical foaming agents (CFas) can help automakers cut the weight of many plastic interior car parts without adversely affecting appearance or performance. mass reduc-tion is critical to achieving new, progressive fuel-economy standards and reducing vehicle emissions.

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Previous-generation CFAs made it difficult to achieve the consistent, high-quality surface finish that automakers and their customers demand, so applications were limited to parts that were hidden from view. Today’s new HYDROCEROL creates a finer, more durable foam-cell structure that allows manufacturers to achieve surface quality and mass reduction of between 5 and 20% (depending on part design and application). The results have been demonstrated in components molded from polymers such as thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polypropylene (PP), and nylon – even parts made from up to 30% glass- and mineral-filled materials. Applications under development include door panels, ceiling panels and head liners, and instrument-panel sections (IP Lower).

The improved CFA technology used in the new HYDROCEROL masterbatches now make it possible to achieve a highly consistent structure of cells as small as 60 microns in diameter. This compares very favorably to the 400 microns typical of first-generation foams and even the 180 microns, which was considered “fine” just a few years ago. As a result, there is virtually no appearance or performance difference between structures produced with CFA versus those made without it. Paintability may be maintained in most materials up to 7% material reduction.

HYDROCEROL® CHEmiCaL FOaming agEnts – autOmOtivE Page 2 of 2

Plug and play technology HYDROCEROL is easy to use and flexible in application. Plastic converters can easily adapt existing processing systems with little additional capital expenditure required. And the benefits extend way beyond mass reduction.

Adding just 1% HYDROCEROL CFA can reduce net material costs by 5% or more. However, the savings that result from improved processing characteristics are even more impressive.

HYDROCEROL masterbatches are endothermic foaming agents. The chemical reaction that creates the foam absorbs heat so that less heat needs to be removed from the polymer after molding and processing cycles are shorter. Shorter cycle times mean machine and labor productivity can be increased by as much as 20%.

At the same time, the new Clariant CFAs incorporate proprietary scavenging technology that neutralizes the effects of moisture, CO2 and acids that are the natural byproducts of chemical foaming. Uncontrolled, these byproducts can cause corrosion in injection molds and also create surface defects in molded parts.

global availability; Local supportHYDROCEROL technology is standardized globally, with production in North America, Europe and Asia. With local presence in over 100 countries, backed by the technical and logistical resources of a truly global company, Clariant gives customers easy access to unparalleled technical support, including design and application develop-ment services.

Assessing weight reduction on a lifecycle analysis automotive manufacturers estimates that a saving of 1 kg in vehicle weight results in a 16 kg saving in CO2 per vehicle.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Clariant makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the information’s accuracy, adequacy, sufficiency or freedom from defect and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitabil-ity of Clariant’s products for its particular application. * Nothing included in this information waives any of Clariant’s General Terms and Conditions of Sale, which control unless it agrees otherwise in writing. Any existing intellectual/industrial prop-erty rights must be observed. Due to possible changes in our products and applicable national and international regulations and laws, the status of our products could change. Material Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions, that should be observed when handling or storing Clariant products, are available upon request and are provided in compliance with applicable law. You should obtain and review the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet information before handling any of these products. For additional information, please contact Clariant.

*  For sales to customers located within the United states and Canada the following applies in addition: NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

® Trademark of Clariant registered in many countries © 2013 Clariant International Ltd M

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Masterbatches HYDROCEROL®CHEmiCaL FOaming agEnts

HYDROCEROL PRODUCing sitEs

EUROPE

CLARIANT MASTERBATCH GMBHKornkamp 50 22926 AhrensburgGermanyPhone: +49-4102-487-0Fax: +49-4102-487-169

NORTH AMERICA

CLARIANT CORPORATION382 Arbor CourtWinchester, VA 22602USAPhone: +1-540-665-1865Fax: +1-540-665-2917

ASIA

CLARIANT CHEMICALS(TAIWAN) CO. LTD. UNo. 30 Hsing Pang Road, Taoyuan 33068Taiwan R.O.C.TaiwanPhone: +886-3-361-5936Fax: +886-3-363-4464

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