Car makers are looking for ways to make their vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient. According to data recently released by EDANA (European Disposables and Nonwovens Association), nonwovens offer many advantages in the car. Because nonwovens are typically 15 % to 30 % lighter than competing materials, they can make a car more than 2 kilograms lighter. The average passenger car using nonwovens can save 55 kilograms of CO2 over the life of the car. Cars using nonwovens in all possible applications, from insulation to lining, have a benefit of more than 30 % less impact on the environment. An area where nonwovens maker Dalco Nonwovens is seeing more interest for nonwovens is in the underbody shields and belly pans, installed underneath the vehicle to reduce air drag and improve gas mileage. In addition to reducing weight and fuel usage, nonwovens are also offering opportunities for cost savings. One material helping this cause is regenerated polyester, used in a number of moldable nonwoven products. Regenerated materials have lower melting points than virgin polyester, mold better while bringing the cost down. The challenge with using regenerated polyester is color matching or visual harmony, so automakers are relying on a blend of fibers combining virgin and regenerated products or using 100 % virgin polyester, depending on where the material is located in the vehicle. The German nonwovens company Tenowo offers 8 different manufacturing technologies that are used in automotives. The trend to substitute classical textiles such as circular or warp knits for interior decorative apps still continues.
Nonwovens in Automotives. While nonwovens have penetrated many areas of the car, there is still room for expansion in this growing market
Vliesstoffe in Automobilen - ein Wachstumsmarkt
Nonwovens Industry ; 45 , 12 ; 26-32
2014
4 Seiten, Bilder
Article (Journal)
English
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