8/10/2019 Impact of Application of Polymer

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Application of polymer composites visavismetals with process relevance have the scope for weightreduction by as much as 2025kg/vehicle while the the Indian composite industry is pegged at Rs 15,000 crore withan expected growth of 15 per cent per annum over the next four years, experts observed during National Conferenceon Polymer Composites & New Age Materials organised by the Auto Components Manufacturers Association of India(ACMA).Weight reduction of vehicle is one of top priority of the vehicle manufacturers which help in containing emission andincreasing fuel efficiency.These high performance polymer grades offer various advantages like reduction in CO2 emission, elimination of

paints on the material, high impact strength, good flow ability, chemical resistance and high heat tolerances. Anumber of products like front end modules, bumper beams, foot rests, battery trays, gear shifter adapters, bus seatassemblies and panel replacements in LCVs were f inding increasing usage of polymer composites, short and longfibres and injection moulded applications.The conference focused on new age materials like Polyolefins,special polypropylene composites, long fibercomposites, thermoplastic composites and engineering plastics. Speakers represented some of the key materialsupplying companies like DSM, DuPont, Essem Polyalloys, Indian Oil Corporation, SABIC, Styrolution ABS and TIPCO.Given its array of applications polymers composites are increasingly being explored for newer applications to make vehicles lighter and fuel efficient.Speaking on the occasion, Ambuj Sharma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises said, "Polymer Composites today have foundways to move beyond,what may be termed as 'traditional applications', in the automotive industry. Such materials are not only finding usage in the conventional interiors and exteriors ofthe vehicle but are alsobeing considered ideal for a range of specialty applications. However, he added, there is an immediate need for the industry to seize business opportunities both inthe domestic marketand those available overseas. Further, the industry must proactively scaleupoperations, invest in R&D and further upgradetechnology matching the existing global standards."

Addressing the participants, Shradha Suri Marwah, Chairperson, Raw Materials Committee, ACMA & Managing Director, Subros said, "Plastics, elastomermaterials and polymer fibreshave made their way into the Indian automotive sector by playing an important role in enhancing the vehicle performance. ACMA continuously endeavours toeducate members on newdevelopments in material applications. The conference on polymer composites is a step further in this direction.