DSM offers Stanyl ForTii as cost saving alternative for automotive EGRT sensors

A new generation of automotive exhaust gas recirculation temperature (EGRT) sensors is being made with Royal DSM's Stanyl ForTii high performance polyamide (PA) 4T.

EGRT sensors are critical elements to improve overall vehicle performance, monitor emissions and improve fuel efficiency. They are previously made with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), both of which are more expensive than PA. As Stanyl ForTii is able to withstand continuous-service temperatures up to 300°C, it offers a cost saving alternative without sacrificing thermal or structural performance.

DSM's application development team identified the operational parameters for the EGRT application with its customers. According to the company, extensive prototype testing demonstrated that Stanyl ForTii has the thermal performance and mechanical properties required for the demanding environment in which the sensor operates. It also has strong chemical resistance that is necessary.

"Stanyl ForTii is not only significantly more cost-effective than PEEK in this application, it also offers shorter molding cycle times than other alternative high performance engineering plastics," says Chris Scarazzo, Business Development Manager at DSM. "Until now, LCP and PEEK have been the default high temperature materials of choice for applications like this. Now, Stanyl ForTii will enable design engineers to specify a more economical material for very hot and aggressive environments."