Winterthur – Autoneum improves the acoustic and environmental performance of vehicles with new propylate components. The material, which consists of recycled synthetic and natural fibers, was developed by Borgers Automotive, which was acquired in April 2023.
Autoneum, the Winterthur-based automotive supplier specializing in acoustic and thermal management, offers Propylat, another lightweight, fiber-based and versatile technology. It was originally developed by Borgers Automotive, which Autoneum acquired in April. According to a press release, this technology consists of a flexible blend of recycled synthetic and natural fibers such as cotton, jute, flax or hemp.
These are strengthened by thermoplastic binding fibers without the addition of other chemical binders. Depending on the composition and the variable density and thickness of the porous material, its properties can be adapted to individual customer requirements. It is used in various interior and exterior components such as wheel arch and trunk linings, underbody systems and carpets.
According to the information provided, these propylate-based components are sustainable due to their low weight. This should reduce fuel and energy consumption and thus CO2 emissions. Secondly, the material contains recycled fibers, can be produced without waste and is completely recyclable in the Propylat PET variant because it is made of 100 percent PET. Up to 70 percent of these are recycled fibers. Propylat PET was selected for the Autoneum Pure sustainability label and will replace the previous mono-liner technology in future.
According to Autoneum, the propylate components enable car manufacturers to respond to the increasing legal requirements for vehicle performance in terms of sustainability and acoustics. The company offers the material in Europe, North America and China. ce/mm