Basell’s Adflex KE051P thermoplastic elastomer olefin (TEO) is being used by Plastic Omnium, a world leader in automotive fuel tanks and systems and body modules, to produce rear energy absorbers for the Chevrolet HHR.

The rear energy absorbers, as well as the HHR’s rear bumper fascia, are produced at Plastic Omnium’s Ramos, Mexico facility.

According to Jane Horal, Segment Manager in Basell’s North America Automotive group, “Thermoplastic bumper energy management absorbers have typically been produced using PC/PBT alloys, compounded TPOs or expanded polypropylene foam. Plastic Omnium selected Adflex resin over expanded polypropylene foam due to its excellent performance as well as enabling the manufacturer to produce the energy absorber and bumper fascia at one location.”

“This material switch enabled us to eliminate one additional subcontractor for the bumper system and is also delivering savings in freight charges,” said Xavier Maury, Director of Engineering at Plastic Omnium North America. “As part of an all-thermoplastic injection-molded bumper system, there are parts consolidation opportunities and bumper system design advantages which bring additional cost advantages.”

Adflex KE051P, a reactor grade, medium melt flow resin with an 820 MPa flexural modulus, features an excellent balance of impact and stiffness properties. It is produced using Basell’s proprietary Catalloy process technology.

In addition to the improved design flexibility and functional integration capability provided by injection molded thermoplastic, Basell data shows that Adflex KE051P provides excellent energy management performance in the rear energy absorber application, with an improvement in elongation at break in excess of 500 percent versus other engineering thermoplastic alternatives such as PC/PBT alloys. Reactor grades such as Basell’s Adflex grades provide significant material cost advantages versus PC/PBT alloys.

Basell is the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing. It is the largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products; a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and the industry leader in licensing polypropylene and polyethylene processes, including providing technical services for its proprietary
technologies. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities in 19 countries and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com.

For more information, contact John Caccese at +1 570 647 4178.