The plant-derived resin radiator end tank, which can be found in some 2009 Toyota Camrys, has just earned the Most Innovative Use of Plastics award in the Environment Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division for Toyota and partners DENSO and DuPont Automotive.
“The eco friendly radiator tank – which has a high percent of renewable material – is one of the first to be used in a mechanical under-the-hood component exposed to a hot, chemically aggressive environment,” says Doug Patton, senior vice president of Engineering at DENSO International America. “More importantly, this component and this award illustrate the benefits of close collaboration throughout the supply chain.”
The eco-friendly polymer – DuPont™ Zytel® RS nylon – is produced by a chemical reaction between organic compounds derived from the castor plant and petroleum. Additives, including glass fiber, and others are incorporated to produce the resultant eco-friendly resin, which DENSO jointly developed with DuPont Automotive. About 40 percent of the resin is comprised of the plant-based ingredients.
Not only is the resin made from environmentally friendly materials, but the new radiator tank releases less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere during its life cycle than the conventional product. This can partially be attributed to the fact that Zytel® RS is extracted from plants, which absorb CO2 through the photosynthesis process. Also, because less petroleum is used to produce the end tank, the new product also helps conserve oil.
“Through collaboration, we were able to develop a new material for use in a higher performance radiator end tank that meets auto manufacturer’s needs for sustainable solutions,” says Patrick Ferronato, global director, development and marketing -- DuPont Automotive Performance Polymers. “The plant-derived resin also meets requirements for exceptional heat resistance, durability and road salt resistance.”
Since engine compartment components -- like the radiator tank -- need to be extremely durable and heat resistant, it was previously difficult to develop a resin with a high percentage of plant-derived ingredients.
The “Most Innovative Use of Plastics” award was granted at the annual SPE Innovation Awards Gala Nov. 12, in Detroit. For almost four decades, the SPE event has honored the “Most Innovative Use of Plastics" in automotive applications becoming the largest competition of its kind in the world and the oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries.
For more information, visit www.globaldenso.com or automotive.dupont.com.
