Practical application of thermoplastic composites for body-in-white application development: A collaborative approach between DuPont and Renault

摘要

The Renault EOLAB prototype is a showcase for many lightweighting innovations. Key among them is the extensive use of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) for important structural components. DuPont Vizilon TPCs are used for the large structural floor pan, lower and upper windshield cross-members and B-pillar, which together are nearly 25kg lighter than the metal parts they replace. These components have been developed by Renault and several parts suppliers, in close collaboration with DuPont. Lightweighting, which improves fuel economy and reduces CO_2 emissions, has been identified by the auto industry as one of the primary ways of meeting new and emerging global emissions and fuel economy standards. The success of EOLAB as a showcase for the future lightweight car is also proof that Vizilon TPC can replace metal in many structural parts, and offer practical and affordable opportunities for significant lightweighting. DuPont has developed high-speed in-house material testing capabilities to help automotive players make a confident transition from metals to TPCs, and to demonstrate outstanding TPC performance supported by high-quality material data.