High-tech polymers in motor vehicles are the real alternative to the construction materials used so far. They effectively replace metal and glass and have indisputable advantages in terms of sustainability and safety.
They are:
- light
- malleable
- resistant
- recyclable.
Cars become lighter and therefore require less energy to move.
The alternative to fossil fuels is electricity or hybrid energy. Cars with less weight require less energy and less engine power, to the advantage of consumers.
We redesign every part of the vehicles to make them more efficient and safer
With the malleable polymers you can draw more aerodynamic and ergonomic shapes. The designers finally have completely flexible materials that manage to combine form and function.
Continuous and sinuous lines completely redesign cars
With the raw materials designed by Covestro, you can create smooth and seamless surfaces, in which the various components of the car can be integrated without interruptions: headlights, rear lights, direction indicators and antennas integrated with the bodywork for a unique and less air resistant design.
Poly-carbonate glass also for cars
Poly-carbonate glass is the future of automotive exterior. It means being able to have a greater width of the openings and improve visibility. Drivers can better see the road and pedestrians. Passengers can enjoy an amplified and more pleasant travel experience.
In automotive glazing, the replacement of glass with poly-carbonate is a further step towards sustainability because it decreases the weight of the components by up to 50% and also improves thermal management, reducing fuel consumption.
Polymer coatings and adhesives that are safe and sustainable
Covestro has developed a hardener for coatings and adhesives that has 70% of its carbon content derived from sources of plant origin. This hardener achieves, and in some cases exceeds, the same properties as conventional higher-end products. Structural adhesives can join together light polymeric materials. This also removes the weight of the rivets and welds and improves the appearance of the vehicle.
The polymer-based raw materials are already ready for the car of the future