Vehicle manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve safety and efficiency, and integrate alternative fuels into their designs. This means they need materials that are more durable in high-use applications and that have better space-to-weight ratios. Composites are the natural solution for parts such as battery housing, pressure vessels, leaf springs, body in white and wheels.
Our wide range of automotive composite solutions answers the growing need for both high performance and mass‑production cycle times.
The battery housing is a critical element of any electrified vehicle—it protects the batteries from environmental hazards, and acts as a protective barrier for passengers in case of battery malfunctions. Composite materials are lightweight, and they offer resistance to fire, crash damage and corrosion. Huntsman's composite solutions meet all safety, mechanical and thermal requirements.
Lightweighting is critically important for electrified vehicles, as it compensates for high battery weight, reducing energy consumption and enabling longer range and/or lower battery cost. Composite materials are light, and resistant to fire, crash damage and corrosion. Huntsman offers resin systems optimized for production of composite chassis, body-in-white parts and underfloor panels.
Composite materials are ideal for automotive wheels, as they combine light weight with high stiffness and strength. Using composite wheels reduces unsprung weight, which improves traction and control, while composites’ greater stiffness translates to a more dynamic driving experience. Huntsman offers a range of resin systems optimized for production of composite wheels.
Composites' high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance and natural frequency qualities make them an excellent choice for leaf spring applications. A composite leaf spring can be up to five times more durable than a steel spring. Huntsman's composite solutions offer industry-leading performance as we work closely with customers to optimize production processes.
Pressure vessels, commonly used to store compressed natural gas, are increasingly in demand to store hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles. Composites' high strength-to-weight ratio makes them a good choice for hydrogen pressure vessels, which require high impact and chemical resistance, as well as high strength to withstand the high operating pressures and constant filling and emptying cycles.
