Orlando, Fla. — Electric vehicles are driving interest in materials made by Polyplastics Co. Ltd.
"There's a lot of emphasis on materials for electric vehicles," Vice President Tim Kneale said at NPE2024 in Orlando. "One of the key attributes is concern about flammability and heat and fire resistance."
EV applications for Polyplastics' materials, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate and liquid crystal polymers, include electric connectors, he added.
Polyplastics, based in Tokyo with a North American office in Farmington Hills, Mich., also launched a new grade of polyetherketone (PEK) resin at NPE2024. New Sarpek-brand PEK is an advanced material for metal replacement and applications needing the highest heat resistance of any injection moldable resin without requiring post-curing, officials said.
They added that the new material is an advancement over polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that delivers a high crystallization rate and high molding efficiency. Sarpek also features higher heat resistance than PEEK, with durability and superior strength to replace metals in harsh environments.
In sustainable products, Polyplastics offers Plastron-brand LFT, a long cellulose fiber-reinforced polypropylene resin aimed at automotive uses such as door module carriers, center consoles and armrest cores. Plastron LFT is eco-friendly, officials said, and is made of regenerated cellulose fibers.
Polyplastics operates two plants in China and plants in Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan. The business also operates two plants in Germany — one making specialty polymers and one making specialty chemicals.