Royal DSM launched its next generation of Diablo high temperature resistant polyamides at the 2014 Fakuma trade show. The new grades are part of both DSM's Stanyl polyamide 46 and Akulon 6/66 portfolios and are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments where temperatures can reach as high as 260°C.The automotive industry's constant drive to create more fuel-efficient designs has resulted in reduced space and higher temperatures under the hood, due in part to the inclusion of such new features as improved pedestrian impact protection and the increasing use of turbochargers and superchargers. DSM's next generation Diablo grades help manufacturers in this innovation challenge by providing unprecedented heat resistance, both long-term and short term.
The technology provides a significant improvement in long-term temperature resistance components such as air intake manifolds with integrated intercoolers, ducts, charge air cooler end caps, mixing tubes and resonators used in the latest car engines. The latest version of Stanyl Diablo polyamide 46 is able to withstand a continuous use temperature of 230°C, while the new Akulon Diablo withstands a 220°C continuous-use temperature. Both new grades have improved resistance to short-term high temperature peaks as measured by deflection temperature under load (HDT). New Stanyl Diablo has an improved HDT of 267°C, while the new Akulon Diablo has an HDT of 245°C. The long term heat ageing and the HDT of the new materials are proof of their superior characteristics compared to competing materials currently on the market.
The new grades also have improved resistance to chemicals and gases in EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems. They have very good processing properties and create finished parts with high burst pressure weld-line strength as well as excellent surface finish.
DSM is a leader in the development of high temperature resistant thermoplastics for automotive engines. Diablo technology, developed and patented by DSM, improves the long term temperature resistance of materials and has been applied to various types of polyamide. DSM not only uses it itself for Stanyl and Akulon polyamides, but also licenses it to other material suppliers. Diablo technology is a further demonstration of the company's commitment to improve the sustainability of automotive transport, to increase possibilities for metal replacement, and to create new solutions that will enable DSM to grow in this highly dynamic sector.
