Application and formulation requirements of polyurethane in automobiles

Abstract: Lightweighting is the main trend in the future development of the automotive field. Polymer materials must be effectively used, which can achieve lightweighting of the car, have a certain energy saving and environmental protection effect, and can also improve the manufacturing of the car. With a more complete understanding, the comprehensive performance of the car will be improved, and polyurethane materials can be rationally used in the structure and decoration of automobile manufacturing.
Keywords: polyurethane; automobile manufacturing; application
This article briefly analyzes and summarizes the application and formula requirements of polyurethane materials in various structures during the automobile manufacturing process, mainly focusing on the analysis and hope of polyurethane foams, reaction injection molded polyurethane products, polyurethane elastomers and polyurethane adhesives, etc. It can promote the development of the automobile manufacturing industry in the future.

1 Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is mainly made by foaming isocyanate and hydroxyl compounds under the polymerization. Polyurethane foam can be mainly divided into soft, semi-rigid and hard materials. Flexible foam is mainly used in automobile manufacturing. Materials that people can directly come into contact with, such as headrests and car ceilings, can rebound because of their characteristics, which can effectively protect people’s safety and improve the safety factor of the car. Semi-rigid materials are mainly used in structures such as instrument panels, which can effectively save manufacturing time and have relatively high stability. Hard materials are mainly used in automobile cabin insulation. Polyurethane foam usually improves the flame retardancy of the foam by adding flame retardants to delay combustion, prevent smoke and even extinguish ignition components, thereby improving the safety of the car. It has a good filling effect, which can prevent the car from being corroded and reduce the noise inside the car.
2 Reaction injection molded polyurethane products
The reaction injection molding method has the advantages of low equipment investment and operating costs, beautiful product appearance, good impact resistance, and great design flexibility. This polyurethane product is formed by manufacturing liquid raw materials in a mold, and its rigidity and strength are consistent with There is almost no difference in the strength of steel, but it is 50% lighter than steel, which can better promote the lightweight of cars. It is mainly used in some structures such as body and steering wheel. As the main structure of the car, the steering wheel can effectively ensure the safety of everyone, reduce the damage to the driver when an accident occurs, and ensure the stability of the structure. Many car bumpers also use such products, and steel bars can also be embedded inside to better protect drivers from minor threats. When polyurethane materials are used for body panels, the main reason is that they have good impact, which can ensure the overall performance of the body and can not be affected by deformation in various environments.
3 Polyurethane elastomer
In the application of polyurethane elastomers in automobile manufacturing, they are mainly used as key structures such as shock-absorbing buffer blocks. Because elastic polyurethane materials have good buffering properties, they can be used in combination with high-strength spring devices in the automobile chassis to improve shock-absorbing buffer blocks. The effect can also enhance the comfort of the car. Most cars use such materials and technologies. The airbag part also uses highly elastic polyurethane material, because this structure is the last barrier to protect the driver and plays an important role. The strength and elasticity of the airbag must meet relevant requirements, and elastic polyurethane is a suitable choice. , and polyurethane material is relatively light, most airbags only weigh about 200g.

Tires are an indispensable part of a car. Ordinary rubber tires have a relatively short service life and cannot be used in high-intensity environments. They also have adverse effects on human health, so better materials need to be selected. , and polyurethane materials can meet these requirements, and there are also investmentsDue to its small size and relatively simple process, polyurethane tires have average heat resistance during sudden braking, which is why they are relatively limited in specific applications. Generally, polyurethane tires use a casting process, which can adapt the tires to different requirements, so Tires do not produce pollution and are very green. It is hoped that the problem of polyurethane tires not being able to withstand high temperatures can be solved in the future, allowing for better widespread use.
4 Polyurethane adhesive
The hydrogen bonds between polyurethane and the material to be bonded will enhance the cohesion of the molecules, further making the bonding stronger. Polyurethane adhesives also have good toughness and adjustability. Polyurethane adhesives have excellent shear strength and resistance. Impact resistance, suitable for various structural adhesive fields, with excellent flexibility. This polyurethane adhesive has excellent performance, can adapt to the bonding of different thermal expansion coefficients, has strong adhesion, and also has excellent buffering and With shock-absorbing function, polyurethane material as a car windshield glue can achieve a good sealing effect on the car, make the car glass and body more stable, increase the overall rigidity and strength of the car, and can also reduce the weight of the car, which is beneficial to the car. travel. Many car interiors also use polyurethane materials, because this material has particularly good water resistance, which can prevent decorations from deforming when exposed to water, making the interior of the car more beautiful and comfortable.
5 Conclusion
Lightweighting of automobile manufacturing has become the main trend of automobile manufacturing. It is also a means of measuring the level of automobile manufacturing and a key indicator of relevant technical and process capabilities. Polyurethane is used in automobile applications through different polyurethane materials such as polyurethane foam and polyurethane elasticity. bodies, etc., have different application methods. Only my country’s polyurethane materials are better used in automobile manufacturing, and research on polyurethane materials can solve related bottlenecks, such as the problem of tire heat resistance, which also requires corresponding measures in the automobile manufacturing industry. With the joint research of experts and the support of relevant policies, we hope that the level of domestic automobile manufacturing will continue to improve.