DuPont Superstructural Plastics Push Back Barriers to Metal Replacement

DETROIT, April 11, 2005 – DuPont Engineering Polymers is clearing the way
for the next wave of metal replacement by plastics with an expanded
portfolio of “superstructural“ thermoplastic materials debuting in the
United States at the 2005 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress
here this week.  
“Our superstructural portfolio gives engineers valuable new tools for
reducing weight and system costs and for improving the reliability and
performance of many structural components now made of metals,�?? said Cynthia
Crouch, global marketing manager for mechanical solutions at DuPont
Engineering Polymers.  The most important material selection criteria,
according to the DuPont Automotive/SAE survey of those planning to attend
the SAE show, are materials that reduce weight and cost while providing
better durability and physical properties. (Editors: see separate release,
Collaborating to Deliver Consumer-Focused Innovation Will Help Strengthen
the Auto Industry, Say Engineers Attending the 2005 SAE World Congress.)

DuPont superstructural resins provide levels of stiffness and strength much
closer to metal properties than conventional engineering plastics.  In
addition, the offering includes grades delivering much higher impact
resistance than conventional engineering plastics without sacrificing
mechanical strength and stiffness. 
Potential applications include a wide range of both automotive and
nonautomotive components.  Early commercial auto applications include
sunroof frames, air suspension system parts, an arm rest retractor spline
and steering column supports and housing components.  Additional potential
uses include supports and housings for mirrors, interior consoles and
transmissions, door handles and door modules, to name but a few. 
Individual grades in the DuPont superstructural portfolio combine one of
several high-performance base polymers with up to 60 percent content of
either short- or long-fiber reinforcement. 
Base polymers include DuPont™ Zytel® HTN high performance polyamide, Zytel®
nylon 66 and Rynite® PET thermoplastic polyester.  The resins based on
Zytel® HTN are particularly well-suited for demanding structural
environments.  They excel with consistently high performance under harsh
conditions of moisture, temperature and chemical exposure. 
The current superstructural portfolio includes four resins reinforced with
long glass fibers.  They include a Zytel® HTN grade containing 50 percent
long glass and three Zytel® nylon 66 resins with long glass loadings of 40
to 60 percent. 
Eight superstructural grades use short glass fibers.  Six of them use Zytel®
HTN as their base polymers with glass, and in one case mineral,
reinforcement at loadings ranging up to 50 percent.  One of the other two is
a Zytel® nylon 66 resin with 60 percent glass, and the other is a Rynite®
PET grade with 55 percent glass. 
“DuPont expertise in processing and design will be extremely valuable to
engineers in designing a new generation of structural plastics components,�??
said Crouch.  “Our broad portfolio of superstructural grades is another
valuable resource, and we are working to expand it even further,�?? she added.

Looking beyond the automotive industry, DuPont specialists are working with
design engineers in a wide range of industries in developing innovative
structural components.  In mobile phones, for example, a structural frame
molded from a superstructural Zytel® HTN resin fulfills requirements for
high strength, impact resistance and dimensional stability.  Other
applications are opening up in sporting goods, recreational vehicles,
furniture, appliances, industrial equipment and other fields. 
For more information about DuPont superstructural plastics, please visit
plastics.dupont.com on the Web or call DuPont at 800-441-0575.
DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier
life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets
including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and
protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.