Low Density Reinforced RIM (LD-RRIM) advanced processing for automotive interior trim

摘要

Glass reinforced polyurethanes are used for the production of structural and semi-structural parts for automotive interior trims and other applications; in these applications areas the polyurethane products and processes utilized are Low Density Reinforced RIM (LDRRIM), Low Density Structural RIM (LD-SRIM) and, more recently, Long Fiber Injection, the so called LFIPUR[ 1] or InterWet [2] . Each of these processes offer specific advantages and selection depends on the application and final properties required. LD-RRIM technology is used since several years by the automotive industry mainly for the production of doorliners as well as for other interior trim applications especially for high end car models. The glass-reinforced expanded PU LD-RRIM technology offers versus other processes important advantages such as light weight, part integration, aesthetical excellence and durability. The LD-RRIM technology developed by The Dow Chemical Company is very well established in the market. Further to that Dow's recent development of a new generation of LD-RRIM systems is now bringing additional advantages to this technology. Combined with superior internal mold release performance, the new LD-RRIM generation of systems offers improved mechanical properties, low emissions according to the new requirements of the automotive industry and a major improvement in productivity achieved with a significant reduction in demolding time. The combination of good processing properties and improved economics offered by this new generation of systems are perfectly in line with the automotive industry's requirements. The LD-RRIM technology developed by Dow has been selected for the production of interior parts by many leading automakers. Just to mention an example in a specific case, Dow's LD-RRIM technology is used for the production of more than 30 interior trim parts of a car, including the doorliners, pillars, console and the instrument panel.The new generation of LD-RRIM systems designed by Dow and commercialized under the trademark SPECTRIM* opens new interesting opportunities for an already versatile technology.