Royal DSM will introduce new high performance polyamides at the Fakuma plastics processing exhibition being held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 14 to 18. The company will also be demonstrating how its materials have been used in some of the latest application innovations to be introduced to the market, and it will provide a sneak preview of the new R&D facilities in the Netherlands. DSM is on stand 4408 in Hall B4.DSM is unveiling the next generation of Diablo high temperature resistant grades in its Stanyl polyamide 46 and Akulon polyamide 6 portfolios. These new Diablo grades are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments such as air intake manifold, ducts and charge air cooler combinations, where temperatures can reach as high as 250°C.
DSM is also leading the way in high performance engineering plastics for the electrical and electronics sectors. It will demonstrate the use of Stanyl TC, a thermally conductive grade of Stanyl polyamide 46, in a heat sink for new LED downlights from one of the world's leading lighting companies.
Also on the DSM stand will be thermoplastic composite gas tanks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that the company has developed with Covess, a specialist in advanced thermoplastic composite vessels for a wide range of applications. Together with hydrogen, natural gas is claiming its place in the field of cost-effective and low carbon footprint fuels for use in automobiles. Thermoplastic tanks weigh around 70% less than steel tanks, and they last longer than steel or even advanced thermoset gas tanks. They exhibit extremely low gas permeation levels, making them very safe, and they are fully recyclable. Besides thermoplastic tape, DSM provides solutions for liners in Type IV composite pressure vessels with its Akulon Fuel Lock polyamide portfolio. Most recently, a material is developed for large pressure vessels for heavy duty vehicles and gas transportation.
DSM's commitment to exploitation of innovative and sustainable high performance materials is evidenced in its investment in a materials sciences research building on the Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands. This facility will be opened 17 November. It will be one of DSM's most important R&D center for engineering plastics, complementing facilities in Asia and the USA.
