SABIC Introduced Colorable, PTFE-free Modified Materials, Which Can Effectively Reduce BSR Noise

The global diversified chemical company Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) launched the LNP™ LUBRILOY™ N2000 modified material at the Automotive Tech Week 2021 (Automotive Tech Week 2021). This is a new type of self-lubricating material that helps prevent noise caused by abnormal sound (BSR) in car interiors.

It is based on an amorphous mixture with colorability and good coatability. This self-developed, highly compatible olefin alloy material does not contain silicon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and can be replaced immediately one-to-one, so automakers and suppliers at all levels can use it to replace ordinary PC/ABS plastics , Thereby greatly reducing the friction and stick-slip phenomenon between the molded parts, reducing or preventing unnecessary noise.

SABIC LNP modified material business senior product manager Ed Williams said: "Quiet and smooth driving experience is a sign of car quality and luxury. But because electric cars and hybrid cars have no noise from the engine, the sound inside the car will be very loud. Obviously. Our new LNP LUBRILOY N2000 modified material can effectively reduce the abnormal noise of the cabin, and does not require secondary noise reduction solutions such as felt or tape. This material innovation will help our customers provide consumers with a more pleasant driving experience ."

Excellent wear and friction resistance

SABIC's self-developed lubrication technology is based on highly compatible olefin alloys, which can give LNP LUBRILOY N2000 modified material a very low coefficient of friction (COF), and make plastic parts maintain excellent wear resistance when moving on metal and plastic surfaces. When using the BSR test VDA 230-206 for evaluation, the risk rating (RPN) of LUBRILOY N2000 modified materials is less than 3, which is lower than that of non-modified PC/ABS materials (generally greater than 5). In addition to automotive interior parts such as rearview mirror housings and trims, cup holders, button rails, and air conditioning and heating system frames, this new material is also expected to be used in consumer electronics applications that need to reduce friction or improve wear.

Comply with PFOA regulatory requirements

In July 2020, the European Commission imposed restrictions on the amount of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and related substances that may be present in materials [In addition to restricting PFOA, the European Commission issued a revised directive (EU) 2020/ 784, to amend Annex I of the European Union’s new Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, and issue the revised Directive (EC) No. 1907/2006 on August 4, 2021, which is relevant to Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1297 Annex 17 has been revised. Both revisions have restricted the content of perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C14 PFCAs) and their salts and C9-C14 PFCA-related substances that may be present in the materials]. Perfluorooctanoic acid is an industrial surfactant, commonly used in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene. After the implementation of the new regulations, the supplier must prove that the PTFE contained in the material is below the recommended PFOA threshold (<25 ppb) [Currently, the supplier must prove that the content of C9-C14 PFCAs and their salts in the material is below the threshold (<25 ppb) 25 ppb)]. By using LNP LUBRILOY N2000 modified material, manufacturers can achieve friction performance comparable to traditional lubricating materials, while avoiding the use of PTFE, thus avoiding the trace PFOA impurities that may exist in PTFE.

Abundant coloring capabilities to create stylish car interiors

In order to help designers create more eye-catching car interiors, the LNP modified material introduced this time also provides coloring functions with customizable tones. This is not the case for other commercial modified materials that use solid lubricating materials such as Graphite or Molybdenum. Words are difficult to achieve. Coatability is another major feature of LNP LUBRILOY N2000 modified material. It solves the coating problems often encountered in traditional silicon-based materials, because silicone oil may cause surface defects.

In order to provide car designers with more choices, SABIC is developing the next generation of LNP lubricating materials, which can achieve stylish and dazzling bright black effects.