Bayer launches new polycarbonate blend for automotive instrument panels

Bayer MaterialScience AG has introduced a new material for the production of instrument panels - Bayblend DP T88 Plus.

This rubber-modified blend, based on polycarbonate and styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (PC/SAN), passes Volkswagen's blooming test, which investigates the adhesive properties of polyurethane foam systems on instrument panels after aging in warm, damp conditions.

This glass-fiber-reinforced material is 25% easier flowing, around a third more impact resistant, and approximately 15% stiffer than PC/ABS Bayblend T88-2N, which has become an established material for instrument panel production.

Furthermore, the material exhibits far greater toughness than styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer and a low tendency to fracture, which is important for safety-related component areas such as that surrounding the airbag flap. The good thermal aging properties are at a far higher level and may be like those of Bayblend KU 2-1522, which sets standards for this property in polycarbonate blends for instrument panels.