A high-performance grade of “Veradel” PESU has been introduced by Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com). “Veradel” 3300 SL 30 has been developed for applications where advanced polymers can improve automotive power train efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Formulated to replace metal in automotive applications prone to friction and wear, such as oil pumps and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, the resin offers wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction in both dry and lubricated environments.

The injection mouldable resin has a ternary anti-friction/anti-wear additive system comprised of carbon fibre, graphite and PTFE. It performs reliably across the broad temperature ranges in which oil pumps are designed to operate, from -40°C to 150°C, the company said. It can also withstand the high temperatures for which EGR systems are specified (up to 200°C) and offers good dimensional stability and strong resistance to oil and exhaust gases.

Brian Baleno, global automotive business manager for Solvay Specialty Polymers, said: “Our Veradel polymers are already a mainstay in automotive lighting and electronics. However, this latest addition to our high-performance Veradel line introduces new solutions to improve wear resistance in automotive power trains, and further supports OEMs and tiers aiming to develop leading-edge designs that can help reduce global CO₂ emissions.”