Sabic unveils compound to cut noise in car interiors

Sabic, a global leader in the chemical industry, has launched its LNP Lubriloy N2000 compound, a new internally lubricated material that helps prevent buzz-squeak-rattle (BSR) noise in automotive interiors.

Showcased at the Automotive Tech Week 2021, the new LNP compound is based on an amorphous blend and offers both molded-in colour capability and paintability. The proprietary, compatibilized olefinic alloy is free of silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). By replacing standard PC/ABS with this innovative, drop-in material, automotive OEMs and tiers can significantly reduce friction and stick-slip behaviour between molded parts to limit or prevent unwanted noise.

“A quiet, smooth ride is a hallmark of automotive quality and luxury, but cabin sounds can be more noticeable in electric and hybrid vehicles due to the absence of source noise from their powertrains,” said Ed Williams, senior product manager, LNP Compounds, Sabic.

“Our new LNP Lubriloy N2000 compound is highly effective at limiting buzz-squeak-rattle noise and eliminates the need for secondary applications such as felts or tapes. This latest material innovation helps our customers provide a more enjoyable driving experience for consumers.”

Excellent wear and friction performance

Sabic’s proprietary lubricating technology is based on a fully compatibilized olefinic alloy. It enables the LNP Lubriloy N2000 compound to deliver a low coefficient of friction (COF) and excellent wear performance in plastic parts moving over metal and plastic surfaces. When evaluated using the BSR test VDA 230-206, Lubriloy N2000 compound demonstrated a risk priority number (RPN) of less than 3 versus non-modified PC/ABS materials that typically have values greater than 5.

In addition to automotive interior parts – such as mirror housings and trim, cup holders, button guides and heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) frames – the new material can potentially be used in consumer electronics applications where reduced friction or improved wear is required.

To help designers create attractive automotive interiors, the new LNP compound offers molded-in colour in custom shades that can be difficult to achieve with other commercially available compounds utilizing solid lubrication packages like graphite or molybdenum. Paintability is an additional feature of the LNP Lubriloy N2000 compound and addresses the challenge often found with traditional silicone-based materials since the silicone oil can cause surface defects.

To further assist automotive designers, Sabic is also developing next generation lubricated LNP materials in stylish deep glossy black colours.

Sabic is exhibiting at its booth parts molded from LNP Lubriloy N2000 compound and illustrating the material’s extensive colour capabilities. The new LNP Lubriloy grade is available globally.