● SK chemicals to make a full-scale entry into the automotive parts market with new composite material PETG/ABS
- First application of copolyester PETG, which was successfully commercialized for the second time in
the world by SK chemicals, to mass-produced cars
- Within the next five years, 20% of the existing PC/ABS market will be replaced
SK chemicals has begun its entry into the automotive parts material market with PETG composite.
SK chemicals announced on the 27th that the recently developed PETG/ABS (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol/ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) composite was first applied to the interior materials of driver’s seats of domestic 2017 model medium and large-sized new cars and hybrid cars.
The new PETG/ABS composite was developed based on PETG, a copolyester that SK chemicals succeeded in commercializing for the second time in the world. PETG has a strong intermolecular attraction in structure, making it difficult for external solvents to penetrate. For this reason, PETG composites have more than two times better chemical resistance than conventional PC composites.
According to the automotive industry, there has been increased contact of the interior material of driver’s seats with various kinds of chemical ingredients such as air fresheners and sunscreen and as the quality level required by automobile manufacturers increases, higher chemical resistance is required than in the past.
Also, in summer, the temperatures can reach over 70 degrees Celsius so materials that do not deform even at high temperatures need to be used for interior materials. PETG can withstand high temperatures ranging between 80 to 110 degrees Celsius and has the heat resistance necessary for interior materials.
The PETG/ABS composite has higher chemical resistance compared to the existing PC/ABS composites, but also boasts excellent heat resistance and physical properties. It has been adopted in steering wheels, window switch panels, and door trims of new 2017 model cars.
"Currently, PETG/ABS compounds are being applied to the interior materials of four domestic medium and large-sized vehicles and we are considering expanding to over 10 kinds of vehicles," said Han Tae-keun, EP Business Team Leader at SK chemicals. "We will replace 20% of the market with PETG composites within the next five years in the EP (Engineering Plastic) material market for domestic automotive interior materials which currently produces 20,000 tons and has an estimated annual average growth rate of 5%,” he added.
On the other hand, the PETG/ABS composite has obtained the New Excellent Technology certification from the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards in 2015. SK chemicals plans to expand the use of PETG/ABS composites in various types of automobiles and parts through use development.
[Photo]
SK chemicals representative is presenting a steering wheel bezel made of PETG/ABS compound material.
[Explanation of Terms]
* PC(Polycarbonate)
PC stands for polycarbonate and is a thermoplastic resin produced by reacting bisphenol A with phosgene. Because it has excellent heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, it is widely used as an industrial material in electric and electronic fields. However, due to problems such as the detection of bisphenol A, a kind of environmental hormone, it is being replaced by eco-friendly materials such as PETG.
* ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS resin is composed of three components of acrylonitrile (A), butadiene (B) and styrene (S). It has excellent impact resistance and chemical resistance and is easy to process. ABS is widely used in automobile parts and home appliances such as televisions.