Posted: September 18, 2014 – Plastics Engineering e-News
Innovative technologies from PolyOne Corporation have enabled Citroën to launch groundbreaking Airbump® exterior protective panels on the new C4 Cactus passenger car. Working closely with the Citroën design team, PolyOne developed a specialty OnColor™ Smartbatch™ color and additive system that allows the distinctive panels to meet stringent UV stability, appearance and durability requirements.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to be part of this effort by bringing enabling technologies to the Citroën team as they pioneer new directions in automotive design,” said Christoph Palm, general manager, Color & Additives EMEA & India for PolyOne.
The air-filled Airbump panels, manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), can compress up to 20 mm, and bounce back to shape in an instant. Citroën notes that this will reduce the cost of vehicle ownership by reducing damage due to everyday bumps and scratches, such as those from shopping carts or the doors of other vehicles.
Added Palm, “By working with Citroën and its Tier I suppliers, we were able to develop an advanced solution that provides the panels with uniform, attractive, and durable color despite exposure to sunlight, heat, and detergents. TPU materials are rarely selected for a vehicle’s exterior, but by working together, we were able to overcome several material-related challenges. This type of collaboration exemplifies the way we help our customers innovate.”
About Citroën
Citroën is part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, a leading manufacturer of automobiles. In 2013 the company sold 1,266,000 vehicles (PSA total: 2.82 million), with 41% of those sales outside Europe. PSA Peugeot Citroën employs almost 200,000 around the world, and has more than 14,500 researchers and engineers across four R&D centers.
About PolyOne
PolyOne Corporation, with 2013 revenues of $3.8 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. The company is DEDICATED to serving customers in diverse industries around the globe, by creating value through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Guided by its Core Values, Sustainability Promise and No Surprises PledgeSM, PolyOne is committed to its customers, employees, communities and shareholders through ethical, sustainable and fiscally responsible principles. For more information, visit www.polyone.com.
