The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) is introducing Engage XLT, a new grade of polyolefin elastomer for thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) used for automotive interior and exterior components. When compounded with polypropylene, this new material delivers a combination of benefits not previously possible with other TPO impact modifiers, the company says.

Engage XLT provides a variety of benefits to compounders, moulders, vehicle manufacturers and consumers. The compounder can take advantage of improved impact efficiency that enables lower elastomer loading in the TPO while still delivering excellent impact performance. This lower elastomer loading results in higher TPO stiffness and melt flow and allows part thin-walling for reduced final part weight which contributes toward improved fuel economy. Computer simulations have shown a reduction of up to 10 per cent in the total weight of a part made with Engage XLT. The simulations also demonstrate that the reduced wall thickness improves moulding cycle times, and actual part moulding has shown improved demoulding characteristics for improved part quality.

The new product is just one of the solutions Dow has created to address the needs expressed by the automotive industry during an ongoing Voice of the Customer study and represents Dow’s commitment to being a leader in TPO modification.

Dave Mitchell, marketing manager at Dow Elastomers, commented: "The ability of Engage XLT to facilitate the production of lighter, larger parts with a faster mould time will allow compounders and manufacturers to cost-effectively produce fuel-efficient vehicles without compromising quality."