Several materials in the SEQUEL® 2300 series of engineered polyolefins are being developed for use in instrument panels and related trim parts, such as glove-box doors and knee bolsters. Commercial grades in this series offer the structural stiffness and heat resistance demanded by these applications. In addition, elastomer-modified polyolefins are inherently less susceptible to noise concerns (buzz, squeak, and rattle) than conventional IP materials, even in contact with glass or other plastics.
These materials afford interior designers excellent surface characteristics. They present a low-gloss appearance, and they can be integrally colored to eliminate the costs associated with painting. Advances in surface durability for these products can minimize the effects of in-plant damage and enhance user satisfaction.
SEQUEL® 2300 series engineered polyolefins — Technical Data
Materials in the SEQUEL 2300 series have been developed specifically for instrument-panel applications. For a technical data sheet containing a list of performance and processing properties, click on any of the materials listed below:
Material developers have taken two approaches to products to be used in IP skins. RESPOND® Luna 10 materials are designed to be produced as extruded sheet that can be back-injected with polyolefin structure in a low-pressure molding operation that is commonly used with PVC skins. This advanced vulcanized thermoplastic polyolefins (TPV) can provide a low-gloss, highly tactile surface in an all-polyolefin system with advantages in the area of recycling.
We are also working with selected extruders and laminators to make available a revolutionary all-polyolefin skin-and-foam system for instrument panels. A RESPOND TPV skin backed with a special polyolefin foam can be laminated onto a TPO structural layer for thermoforming into major IP parts. This proprietary system could replace conventional skin-foam structures of dissimilar materials, providing IP designers with cost and processing advantages.
IP Skins — Technical Data
The following RESPOND® thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials have been designed for use as soft-touch skins in automotive instrument panels. For technical data, click on the appropriate material name from the list below:
