PolyOne adds to auto polymer line

PolyOne partnered with Integral Technologies Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary ElectriPlast Corp. to commercialise its patented, long fibre conductive ElectriPlast® material. ElectriPlast Corp. is a leading technology innovator in conductive plastics with a broad intellectual property portfolio and deep application development expertise. ElectriPlast® material is a highly engineered, filled thermoplastic polymer that replaces metal in electromagnetic and radio-frequency (EMI/RFI) shielding applications at up to 60% lighter weight. 

 

Through an exclusive, ten-year license agreement, ElectriPlast® technology will serve as a complement to PolyOne’s existing specialty engineered materials portfolio, providing superior shielding for advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), including housings, connectors, and internal components for cameras, sensors, and electronic control units. As the automotive industry races to incorporate more ADAS technologies, the need for EMI/RFI shielding to eliminate cross talk has grown exponentially, because shielding is essential to the systems’ operation.

 

 

ADAS components are the eyes, ears, and bodyguards of modern vehicles. From backup cameras and blind-spot-monitoring radar to sensors that keep tabs on environmental conditions and enhance performance, these systems are quickly becoming the standard for automakers and consumers alike. With ElectriPlast’s Flexible Content Technology (FCT), the percentage and kind of metal fibers can be tailored to meet each OEM’s specifications.

 

According to Michelle R. Hearn, global marketing director, Specialty Engineered Materials at PolyOne, the new partnership aligns well with PolyOne's goal of bringing material innovation to meet the unique challenges of customers. PolyOne plans to develop ElectriPlast materials tailored for housings and other shielding applications, working in tandem with customers and the application development experts at Integral Technologies.