June 25-The eye-catching "i-flow" concept car presented by Hyundai at the Geneva Motor Show features many of the advanced polymers and pigments which chemicals firm BASF will showcase at the K 2010 show in October.
BASF's contributions to the i-flow aim at weight reduction, greater fuel efficiency, a lower environmental impact, greater comfort and safety, and freedom of design . The i-flow therefore offers important new approaches to sustainable mobility .
The car s seat design demonstrates how lightweight materials can help conserve resources, according to BASF. It features Ultramid Balance, a polyamide derived from 60% renewable raw materials, as well as other thermoplastics and energy-absorbing foams. Hyundai and BASF s joint goal was to save as much weight as possible with plastic components.
When incorporated into car seats, Luquafleece moisture-absorbing material ensures that drivers and their passengers enjoy a pleasant seating climate even at the height of summer, says BASF. Elastollan, a polyurethane TPE used for the i-flow s high-quality interior surfaces, is cited as abrasion-proof and capable of being produced in a wide range of both light and dark colours. Elastoskin polyurethane, used for the car s dashboard and other interior parts, is characterised by an exceptional optic and haptics, says the BASF, combined with a pleasant soft touch. At the same time it provides the highest freedom in design for colours, textures and geometries .
The i-flow s modern diesel engine is encapsulated with a rigid foam polyurethane thermal insulation system. On short trips and especially in city traffic, engines are slow to reach the optimum operating temperature or cool down quickly, according to Hyundai. The insulation is cited as lessening this effect, reducing both emissions and fuel consumption. A thermoelectric harvesting system converts exhaust gas heat into electrical energy that helps power auxiliary systems, offering significant fuel savings.
BASF s infrared-transparent and infrared-reflecting pigments in the i-flow s interior result in cooler plastic surfaces for the dashboard, seat and center console, says the company. Sicotan, Sicopal and Lumogen pigments provide very dark or black surfaces that remain distinctly cooler when exposed to sunlight , resulting in greater comfort and lower energy consumption by air conditioning.
BASF s Steron soft-touch coating technology allows a range of textures (even of high complexity) to be designed, varying from soft velvet to a smooth silky touch, always keeping a natural feel.
The i-flow is a milestone on the road to the car of the future. Because Hyundai involved us early in the development process, we were able to offer our full strengths, said Dr Wolfgang Hapke, head of BASF s Performance Polymers division. Thomas B rkle, head of Hyundai s European design centre, commented: BASF proved to be a true partner, with whom we jointly developed innovative solutions for design and engineering.
BASF's contributions to the i-flow aim at weight reduction, greater fuel efficiency, a lower environmental impact, greater comfort and safety, and freedom of design . The i-flow therefore offers important new approaches to sustainable mobility .
The car s seat design demonstrates how lightweight materials can help conserve resources, according to BASF. It features Ultramid Balance, a polyamide derived from 60% renewable raw materials, as well as other thermoplastics and energy-absorbing foams. Hyundai and BASF s joint goal was to save as much weight as possible with plastic components.
When incorporated into car seats, Luquafleece moisture-absorbing material ensures that drivers and their passengers enjoy a pleasant seating climate even at the height of summer, says BASF. Elastollan, a polyurethane TPE used for the i-flow s high-quality interior surfaces, is cited as abrasion-proof and capable of being produced in a wide range of both light and dark colours. Elastoskin polyurethane, used for the car s dashboard and other interior parts, is characterised by an exceptional optic and haptics, says the BASF, combined with a pleasant soft touch. At the same time it provides the highest freedom in design for colours, textures and geometries .
The i-flow s modern diesel engine is encapsulated with a rigid foam polyurethane thermal insulation system. On short trips and especially in city traffic, engines are slow to reach the optimum operating temperature or cool down quickly, according to Hyundai. The insulation is cited as lessening this effect, reducing both emissions and fuel consumption. A thermoelectric harvesting system converts exhaust gas heat into electrical energy that helps power auxiliary systems, offering significant fuel savings.
BASF s infrared-transparent and infrared-reflecting pigments in the i-flow s interior result in cooler plastic surfaces for the dashboard, seat and center console, says the company. Sicotan, Sicopal and Lumogen pigments provide very dark or black surfaces that remain distinctly cooler when exposed to sunlight , resulting in greater comfort and lower energy consumption by air conditioning.
BASF s Steron soft-touch coating technology allows a range of textures (even of high complexity) to be designed, varying from soft velvet to a smooth silky touch, always keeping a natural feel.
The i-flow is a milestone on the road to the car of the future. Because Hyundai involved us early in the development process, we were able to offer our full strengths, said Dr Wolfgang Hapke, head of BASF s Performance Polymers division. Thomas B rkle, head of Hyundai s European design centre, commented: BASF proved to be a true partner, with whom we jointly developed innovative solutions for design and engineering.
