Celstran PP: Well Balanced Processing and Property Profile for Automotive Interiors


Kelsterbach/Germany, Florence/Kentucky, September 15, 2009 - Throughout the world, automotive manufacturers and their suppliers (OEM) are increasingly switching to Celstran (LFT) long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics with a PP matrix for the production of components in the passenger compartment. The reason for this lies in the specially tailored processing and property profile of these materials, which makes them a suitable drop-in solution for former SMA applications.

"Many auto makers, including Daimler, Porsche, Jaguar and Volkswagen, are using Celstran+ PP (GF 20, GF 30 and GF 40) in automotive interiors because of its good surface finish," explained Olaf Herd, Business Program Manager Automotive - Europe at Ticona. "Other manufacturers are also in the process of switching over or are looking for a suitable drop-in solution, because, as in the United States, for example, production of SMA (styrene maleic anhydride) has been discontinued."

Celstran+ tailored engineering thermoplastics from Ticona contain long glass fibers physically embedded in a polypropylene (PP) matrix. As a result, they offer an exceptionally balanced property profile and are suitable for use in automotive interior applications, such as dashboards and reinforcing components, in both visible and non-visible areas. These standard PP grades are reinforced with glass fiber contents of 20, 30 and 40 percent and are very easy to process.

Comparative tests have shown that Celstran+ is superior to other materials such as SMA or PC/ABS blends (polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) in terms of heat aging stability, weight, integration of components, adhesion to foam, mechanical properties, injection molding and handling. The material meets lightweight construction requirements and helps compliance with strict industry fogging standards.

Unless otherwise stated, all registered trademarks are owned by Ticona or its affiliates.

About Ticona and Celanese

Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, produces and markets a broad range of high performance products, and posted net sales of $1.06 billion in fiscal 2008. Ticona employs approximately 2,000 individuals at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China. For more information, please visit www.ticona.com or www.ticona.cn (Chinese language).
As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $6.8 billion in 2008, with approximately 65% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 8,350 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company's website at www.celanese.com.

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