Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, will present at K2013 (16-23 October in Dusseldorf, Germany) sustainable and innovative solutions that address key global challenges like climate change. With a portfolio of high performance plastics for applications in automotive, electrical and electronics, flexible food packaging, and consumer goods, the company is committed to do everything it can to contribute to a more sustainable world. DSM will be on Stand 11 in Hall 6B.Several innovative applications in automotive illustrate how the company addresses the key trends of increasing demand, and emission reduction, driving weight reduction and increased fuel efficiency. Oil sumps in Akulon Ultraflow polyamide 6, for example, developed with Steep Plastique for Peugeot and with BPP for Daimler, are 60% lighter than the metal versions they replace and yet are still highly impact resistant. New applications for EcoPaXX polyamide 410 include the engine cover of the brand-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class as well as the crankshaft cover for a new generation of fuel-efficient engines from Volkswagen. New DSM materials aimed specifically at auto applications include the first hydrolysis-resistant Arnite A (PET) for dimension-critical parts, and a portfolio of high performance advanced thermoplastic composites for structural components.
In electrical & electronics, miniaturization, lightweighting and speed of innovation are key. DSM is supporting customers to make thinner designs and integrate functions using materials that have excellent processing properties and are halogen-free and therefore contribute to reducing the environmental impact of e-waste. Lotes, a leading producer of memory connectors, is for example using Stanyl For Tii for housings for the new DDR4 generation of connectors suitable for wave and infrared reflow soldering. Stanyl ForTii T11, a new halogen free grade for terminal blocks, delivers UL94-V0 flame retardancy combined with outstanding thermal and mechanical performance, and results in components with significantly lower carbon footprints than versions made in rival materials. Stanyl ForTii also made a major breakthrough with its approval by Cicorel, a specialist in electronics systems and components, for use in three-dimensional molded interconnect devices, 3D-MIDs.
DSM is also innovating in the flexible food packaging industry. Akulon XS, for example, a newly-developed modified polyamide 6 for co-extruded blow barrier film, provides improved bubble stability and reduces wrinkling in lay-flat film. Food packaging is just one application anticipated for cast films made by DSM development partner MF Folien based on EcoPaXX polyamide 410. The film can also be used in applications in medical, aviation and shipping, and building & construction.
Yet another high performance application for bio-based EcoPaXX is in building & construction: thermal breaks in aluminum window profiles that also contribute to the mechanical integrity of the windows. Until now, polyamide 66 has been the favored material, but EcoPaXX provides a more sustainable solution.
The use of post-consumer recyclate provides another important means for further increasing the sustainability of high performance plastics and closing material loops. DSM will announce a partnership during K 2013 with a leader in plastics distribution. Together they have developed a portfolio of glass reinforced PA6 compounds containing more than 50% post-consumer recycled material from well-identified and dependable sources.
With its broad portfolio of engineering plastics, which encompasses Arnitel thermoplastic copolyester and Arnite PBT and PET, as well as one of the widest portfolios of polyamides in the world (including Stanyl PA46, Stanyl ForTii PA 4T, EcoPaXX PA 410, Akulon PA6 and PA66, and Novamid PA6, PA66 and PA6/66), DSM is in a strong position to drive innovation across markets demanding high performance sustainable materials.
By connecting its unique competences in life sciences and materials sciences, DSM is able to create downstream value through in-depth understanding of, and the ability to successfully address, the challenges faced by its customers and customers' customers. The company is looking forward to showcasing its advantages at K 2013, and to talking with existing and future partners about new and challenging projects.
DSM also has strength in depth in research, development and technical support, and an impressive track record in collaborating with processors and end-users to maximize the potential of their ideas.
