Automotive industry
An automotive industry delivering best in class for engine efficiency, emission reductions and safety.
The importance of fluoropolymers for the sector
The automotive industry is of crucial importance to the EU, providing 13.8 million jobs – over 6% of total EU employment. The automotive industry represents over 7% of EU GDP. The sector is the largest private investor in R&D and a true innovator producing cars that are recognised globally as the best in class for engine efficiency, emission reductions and safety.
Fluoropolymers are crucial for the European automotive sector as their unique properties enable lower emission for traditional internal combustion engines and innovation in alternative fuels including electromobility. By providing durable and effective protection against heat, aggressive fluids and fuels, humidity, vibrations and compressions, they prolong the useful life of various components critical for performance, emission control, and safety to the automotive industry, including lithium batteries. Modern road transport emission standards could not have been achieved without these materials. Fluoropolymers enable significant fuel savings through their use in fuel hoses, saving ca. €40 million per year. Lower emissions prevent health damage valued at a further €100 million in Europe. Over the vehicle lifetime, this equates to fuel savings in Europe of some €200 million.
Unique properties of fluoropolymers and their benefits for the sector
The unique properties of fluoropolymers make them crucial for the safe storage and handling of chemicals through protective equipment and linings. Their chemical stability allows them to be resistant to some of the most corrosive substances on the market, protecting works and equipment from harm.
Their stability, durability, high non-stick and non-wetting properties provide a number of benefits including:
Lower fuel emissions and fuel economy from weight saving
Lower exhaust emissions (both carbon and NOx gasses)
Increased lifetime and reliability of components
Better engine performance
Increased comfort (and noise reduction)
Permits use of alternative fuels (like bio-diesel)
Increased safety (e.g. through reliable performance of parts)
Cleaner environment by avoiding leakage (e.g. oil or coolant leaks)
Fluoropolymers and the future of the industry
Fluoropolymers are crucial enablers of a low-carbon mobility as they permit the use of alternative fuels such as biofuels but are also essential to electromobility as key components of innovative batteries and fuel cells.
- Battery development: High performance cathode binders, battery gaskets, fuel cell membranes are critical technologies where fluoropolymers are non-replaceable.
Applications
- Turbocharger hoses
- Multilayer fuel hoses
- Hydraulic hoses
- ABS break lines
- O-rings used as seals in fuel containment systems and fuel injectors
- Shaft seals and valve stem seals
- Air intake manifold gaskets
- Cylinder head gaskets
- Automotive venting products
- Lambda oxygen sensors in exhaust systems
- Reliable Electronic systems
- Wires and cables