Application of polymer composites visavis

metals with process relevance have the scope for weight

reduction by as much as 2025
kg/vehicle while the the Indian composite industry is pegged at Rs 15,000 crore with
an expected growth of 15 per cent per annum over the next four years, experts observed during National Conference
on 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 and
increasing 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. A
number of products like front end modules, bumper beams, foot rests, battery trays, gear shifter adapters, bus seat
assemblies and panel replacements in LCVs were finding increasing usage of polymer composites, short and long
fibres and injection moulded applications.
The conference focused on new age materials like Polyolefins,
special polypropylene composites, long fiber
composites, thermoplastic composites and engineering plastics. Speakers represented some of the key material
supplying 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 found
ways 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 of
the vehicle but are also
being considered ideal for a range of specialty applications. However, he added, there is an immediate need for the industry to seize business opportunities both in
the domestic market
and those available overseas. Further, the industry must proactively scaleup
operations, invest in R&D and further upgrade
technology matching the existing global standards."
Addressing the participants, Shradha Suri Marwah, Chairperson, Raw Materials Committee, ACMA & Managing Director, Subros said, "Plastics, elastomer
materials and polymer fibres
have made their way into the Indian automotive sector by playing an important role in enhancing the vehicle performance. ACMA continuously endeavours to
educate members on new
developments in material applications. The conference on polymer composites is a step further in this direction.