Elix Polymers (Tarragona / Spain; www.elix-polymers.com) has introduced speciality ABS and PC/ABS grades to reduce unwanted noise inside cars. The grades have been specifically developed to reduce the squeak generated by the contact of plastic parts with other interior parts. The Spanish company said that these “undesirable noises” can negatively affect driver comfort as well as the impression of a car’s quality.

Typical parts include door handles, seating components, cup holders and air vents but Elix said the resins may also be suitable for other uses in the electronic & electrical, white goods and consumer goods market segments.

The grades are based on standard ABS, high heat ABS, ABS/PC or PC/ABS. Elix said the polymers’ key properties remain unchanged so existing OEM approvals are not affected. In addition, current moulds can be used without further modification as the materials’ shrinkage also remains the same.

Fabian Herter, Elix Polymers’ automotive industry manager, said the new grades offer a more competitive solution compared with existing resins. “Until now, in many instances, fabrics or grease had to be added afterwards to reduce squeak and rattle. However, this involved additional costs and manual labour – and therefore is not ideal,” he explained. Elix said the resins have undergone stick-slip tests at several premium automotive OEMS and scored the lowest risk level.