Technical Paper
ELPO Capable Polyurea RIM: A Breakthrough Material for Composite Body Panel Applications
1999-09-28
1999-01-3225
Of the 1 million Tonnes of material used for body panels on cars and trucks in 1998, approximately, 57,000 Tonnes were plastic composites. Three material types, generically labeled SMC, RIM and Thermoplastic split this volume. In each case, specific performance criteria and costs dictated the use of plastic composites. Recently, SPECTRIM* HH 390, a polyurea RIM material, has replaced SMC as the material of choice on General Motors' Silverado and Sierra Sportside vehicles. Certain performance criteria as well as overall costs paved the way for this material to be approved and utilized on such a highly visible and important platform in the light truck market. Therefore, the entry of an ELPO capable RIM material widens the choice of plastic composites for body panel materials.