DuPont Company

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Although the topic was ostensibly the implementation of plastic materials under the hood as replacements for metals—and with there being some significant reasons for doing so, as in “Weight savings vary from 20 to 50%, depending on the component.

Addressing the demands of OEMs for more sustainable materials and recognizing the changes in the cost and availability of petroleum, DuPont is working to develop bio-based plastics that are, in some cases, even better than their traditional alternatives.

A nonfiber-based polymeric separator for lithium-ion batteries capable of boosting power 15 to 30% and extending life up to 20% for hybrid and electric vehicles has been developed by DuPont.

A quick survey of some of the latest issues and developments in the plastics field.

This little bracket may be the thin end of the wedge when it comes to more structural plastic use in vehicles.

Although the U.S. is certainly a place where plenty of trends are started, some engineering trends start in Europe and make their way west. As in the case of some plastic applications under the hood.