Page 81 - Plastics News October 2024
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IN THE NEWS
tated by the mass of its components.” A heavy the engine has to exert so as to move the car
vehicle needs more fuel to be run than a lighter forward. Analysis of data taken from relevant in-
vehicle and hence the larger emission and lower dustries shows that use of light weighting results
efficiency. in fuel efficiency gains of 6-8% for every 10% de-
crease in vehicle weight.
Plastics is much lighter offering the required
strength and durability of the part while saving Plastics also help in matter of aerodynamics ;
much more weight. This is because when using which is so important in racing events. Some of
metal components in the production of cars, car such plastic components include bumpers and
manufacturers may decide to replace the metal- body panels that can be moulded into patterns
lic part with the plastic part hence reducing the that will help in cutting down on drag and in-
total weight of the car by a considerable margin. creasing the air flow. This in turn improves the
This weight reduction enhances the fuel econ- efficiency of the vehicle and the fuel consump-
omy and consequently leads to the decreased tion rate of the vehicle.
emission of carbon monoxide which is in conso-
Also, lightweight use of plastics can enhance a
nance with the international drive towards the
car’s acceleration, braking force and maneuver-
reduction of carbon footprint for transport ve-
ability, making the car to be more entertaining
hicles.
to use.
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency and Performance
Durability and Versatility
Plastics for the most part are known to be light
but they are exceptionally strong and can be
used in a variety of ways. Automotive plastics
are generally designed to perform well under
high temperature as well as corrosive attack and
mechanical stress. This makes them suitable for
different uses in a car such as interior and exte-
rior parts.
For example, dashboards, door panels, and
parts of the seat are made of plastics because
of its characteristic features such as flexibility
for use and longer durability because they do
not get easily degraded. Fenders, bumpers, and
car mirrors are among the exterior parts which
may require the usage of plastics because, un-
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that can be like metals, they provide extra resilience, absorb
derived from utilizing plastics in automotive de- impact force and hardly corrode. It also provides
sign is better fuel economy. Generally, the over- durability to the vehicle by minimizing the repair-
all weight of a car has an influence on its power ing rate that is also a good sign of lowering the
consumption; lesser the weight, the lesser effort cost to the consumer.
October 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 81
