Under The Hood

Operating conditions under the hood of a motor vehicle are extremely challenging. The materials used in this engine environment are spared virtually nothing. They have to withstand temperatures of up to 150 °C (302° F) and more (with the trend towards even higher temperatures), and yet also need to resist arctic cold. They are subjected to high mechanical and thermal stress, while also being exposed to severe vibrations and acceleration forces, in some cases of up to 40 g. In addition, they are in direct contact with all of the various automotive fluids, e.g. oil, fuel, brake and transmission fluids, and engine coolant.

The applications for Ticona’s engineering polymers in the under the hood sector are extraordinarily diverse. They range from large components, such as front-ends, through power distribution boxes to direct ignition systems, throttle bodies and valves, and charge air-cooling systems. The specific material properties needed for individual applications are just as diverse as the general operating conditions. Ticona’s high-performance polymers have successfully provided designers with solutions for these demanding requirements. They not only offer the special capabilities required for under the hood environments, but can also be further optimized for particular application tasks.

Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is inherently flame-retardant, extremely resistant to creep under load and may be used up to a continuous service temperature of 240 °C (464° F). Reinforcement with glass fibers increases its rigidity and strength and reduces its coefficient of thermal expansion. Because of these properties, Fortron PPS is frequently an excellent alternative to light metal alloys under the hood.

Celstran® long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT) have an exceptionally high rigidity and strength over a wide temperature range, due to their stabilizing fiber skeleton of, for example, glass or carbon. This material also provides improved toughness over short-glass-fiber-reinforced polymers. Impet® polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is notable for its good recyclability, high heat deflection temperature, chemical resistance and very good electrical properties. Celanex® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) offers a high heat deflection temperature, good rigidity and easy processability. Finally, Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP), can withstand short-term temperature stresses up to 340 °C (644° F) (depending on the grade), permits very tight tolerances and is used mainly in electrical and electronic components to replace metal and other materials.