The auto industry is driven by challenges such as speed, body weight, fuel efficiency, accident vulnerabilities, and Co2 emissions. Nowadays, auto manufacturers are using various types of plastic composites as well as lightweight, durable plastics to meet the aforesaid challenges. The special types of plastics used in automotive industry are termed as automotive plastics. Here, we will discuss how automotive plastics are giving rise to a trend of green-friendly automobiles.
Benefits of Using Plastics in Automobiles
Today, plastics play a very major role in automobile construction due to the following benefits they offer:
- Weight Reduction: In 1984, the use of plastics in a car was limited to 8.5%. In 2016, automotive plastics account for 50% of the volume of a car, and contributes to 10% of its weight. This increased use of plastics have helped reduce the total body weight of a car. The lighter vehicle consumes less power and energy to maintain its speed. According to the U.S Department of Energy, the reduced vehicle weight helps improve fuel efficiency by 6-8%. This can provide significant benefits to customers and to the environment in the long run.
- Safety: According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), polyester seatbelts help save more than 11,000 lives every year. Airbags help reduce the death risk from direct and high-impact car crashes by 30%. These life-saving airbags are made from durable nylon fabric. Child safety belts have made car rides less stressful for parents who travel long distances with their kids.
- Reduced CO2 Emissions: Today, most automobile manufacturers are driven to follow the federal government mandate regarding fuel efficiency. The mandate requires all light-duty vehicles to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standard, which is set to 54.5 miles-per-gallon by 2025. A report from the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council suggests reduction of another 400 lbs from the body weight to meet the standard. Automobile manufacturers are including plastic and plastic composites to meet this standard. The reduced body weight not only improves fuel efficiency, but also helps reduce CO2
- Aesthetics: Plastics are used in the interiors of the vehicles, dashboards, control switches, instrument panels, and more. Also, the plastics are used to design headlamps, cup holders, windows, and fuel tanks. The braking systems and electronics are made from a variety of plastics, which help reduce heat damage, and corrosion too. Plastics also provide aesthetical benefits in terms of colors and shapes.
- Recycling: The reuse of parts is not a new thing in the automobile industry. However, this was limited to metal recycling. With the increasing plastic composition in vehicles, plastic recycling is also becoming a trend.
- Scope for Innovations: The automotive sector is rapid in terms of research and innovation. Automotive manufacturers are always looking at new solutions to reduce body weight, and improve vehicle efficiency on the road. They are dealing with various kinds, which help them look beyond these goals. Carbon fiber is becoming a material of choice, and is slowly replacing various metal components.
As lightweight vehicles become a mandatory requirement, various studies suggest that use of polymer composites and plastics is set to grow in coming years.
