Leverkusen - Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG is taking part in the International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing (Fakuma) for the first time this year. The event is being held in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance from October 14 through 18, 2008. The Semi-Crystalline Products (SCP) business unit will be presenting new applications for its Durethan polyamides and Pocan polyesters. These will include components used in automotive engineering, including trucks, the domestic appliance industry and the electrical and electronics industries. “Our aim is to use this major regional trade fair to introduce ourselves to potential customers, in particular from German-speaking countries, as the first port of call for high-performance material and process solutions. Our comprehensive range of customer services – from the initial idea for a molded part to its construction and the start of series production – is also at the forefront of our presentation,” explains Lars Kraus, head of Technical Marketing Services in the Semi-Crystalline Products business unit.

One focal point of the presentation is its extensive portfolio of flame-retardant thermoplastic products. This includes halogen-free, flame-retardant grades of Pocan, which are among the first polybutylene terephthalates (PBTs) to achieve VDE certification to the IEC/EN 60335-1 standard for domestic appliances. Pocan is used in various applications, including lamp sockets. Another focus of the exhibits at the trade fair is the replacement of metal with highly filled thermoplastics such as easy-flowing Durethan DP BKV 60 EF reinforced with 60 percent glass fibers. This polyamide 6 grade produces exceptionally stiff components that can be manufactured cost-effectively with very short cycle times thanks to its good thermal conductivity, thereby opening up significant potential for savings by processing companies. The benefits of PA 6 are demonstrated by examples such as a heavy-duty spring retainer that is used in the hinge of a smooth-opening kitchen unit.

The SCP presentation also focuses on structurally viscous grades of polyamide 6 and 66 for components used in the engine’s air system, including media hoses for transporting air and charge air tubes. These materials can be processed using extrusion blow molding, sequential extrusion blow molding and suction blow molding. One example derived from this innovative material class is the non-reinforced, very soft polyamide 6 Durethan DP BC 600 HTS, which can be used for the low-cost production of charge air tubes with integrated bellows as a single-material suction blow molding solution. Meanwhile, LANXESS’s material and process expertise in water injection technology is demonstrated by a coolant pipe made from polyamide 66 for use in motor vehicles.

Other focal points of the presentation include innovative material combinations such as organic sheets, conductive polyamides for components that transport fuel and new polyamide 6 applications in plastic/metal composite technology (hybrid technology) such as motor vehicle pedal blocks.