Bonding to the polypropylene (PP) core layer is possible in the same or separate injection molding step. The strong chemical bonding between all layers eliminates the need for additional adhesive layers. Asahi Kasei's new SEBS contributes to reducing the total number of materials, simplifying the manufacturing process, and improving the recyclability of interior components.

From automotive head-up displays to head-mounted displays and smart glasses, requirements related to the weight and design of optical devices have become increasingly demanding. Asahi Kasei’s transparent AZP polymer features almost zero birefringence, overcoming the challenges of conventional transparent polymers in applications with polarizing light. Its superior processability compared to glass enables the large-scale production of injection-molded optical components that fulfill demanding customer requirements.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

Balancing sustainability and functionality without sacrificing cost-competitiveness is a major issue for car manufacturers. To tackle this challenge, Asahi Kasei is currently developing a thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (SEBS) grade for automotive interior surfaces, which require good haptics and soft touch. Conventional approaches use different materials and production technologies for the skin, foam, and core layers in automotive instrument panels, door panels, armrests, or center consoles. The new SEBS material is suitable for both skin and foam layers, which can be molded in one step by utilizing a core back injection molding process.

At Fakuma, Asahi Kasei also will show multilayer cooling pipes that do not require an adhesive layer. These two-layer pipes employ the company’s Leona polyamide (PA) on the outside and Xyron mPPE on the inside. This product offers excellent bending properties, hydrolysis resistance, and low ion elution properties.

The company will also present its comprehensive solutions for establishing a sustainable life cycle for PA 66. In the field of chemical recycling, the company works with Japanese partner company Microwave Chemical, utilizing a microwave process to depolymerize automotive airbags and other PA 66–based parts and directly obtain the monomers hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA). Currently undergoing trials, the process is expected to achieve high yields with low energy consumption. The monomers obtained can then be used to manufacture new PA 66.

At the battery island, the company will showcase Xyron modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) featuring high non-halogenic flame retardance and low ion elution properties. This material is suitable for thermal management applications in EV batteries.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Analysis: Plant Capacity, Production, Process, Technology, Operating Efficiency, Demand & Supply, End-Use, Grade, Foreign Trade, Sales Channel, Regional Demand, Company Share, Manufacturing Process, 2015-2035

Asahi Kasei will also showcase a bio-based and biodegradable cellulose nano fiber (CNF) at Fakuma. This material is made from cotton linter and features high heat resistance and a network-forming capability. CNF-reinforced PA exhibits thixotropic behavior, making it highly suitable for 3D-printing applications requiring dimensional accuracy, a smooth appearance, and mechanical performance. Furthermore, CNF exhibits superior material recyclability compared to glass fibers.

In the initial half of February 2024, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) experienced an upward price trajectory across Europe and the United States, primarily driven by supply shortages and a surge in demand from the market. In Europe, the upswing in HDPE prices was mainly attributed to constrained supplies coupled with delayed cargo. Meanwhile, in the US, HDPE prices surged due to heightened demand from downstream industries such as construction and packaging. Further, the rising prices of feedstock Ethylene and upstream Naphtha and Crude oil have had a significant impact on the production costs of HDPE in both regions, contributing to the upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, supply disruptions in key transportation routes like the Panama Canal and the Red Sea have also played a role in influencing the pricing dynamics of the product, adding to the market volatility experienced during this period.

The HDPE market in Europe witnessed a price increase of 2% for Injection grade FD Hamburg(Germany), primarily fueled by constrained supplies stemming from delayed cargo arrivals from the Middle East and limited material quantities from the US. This upward trend was further reinforced by reduced output rates and regional outages. Despite this, overall demand remained relatively stable, marked by subdued activity within end-user industries. Further, market participants in the European market faced significant price hikes in February offers from local producers, despite only a marginal increase in feedstock Ethylene prices. The scarcity of import options and reduced allocations compelled suppliers to prioritize margin expansion, particularly after enduring negative margins for several months. With the February ethylene settlement showing a modest uptick due to sluggish demand in January, the substantial price hikes sought by HDPE suppliers in February will significantly aid them in reclaiming the margins lost over the past few months. Meanwhile, market players are directing their attention toward March, primarily engaging in discussions centered around potential Ethylene contract price settlements for the upcoming month.

A dual-layer polyamide/mPPE cooling pipe for EV battery thermal management offers excellent bending properties, hydrolysis resistance, and low ion elution properties. Image courtesy of Asahi Kasei/Business Wire.

In parallel, Asahi Kasei will introduce its solvent-based recycling process for the first time in Europe. By applying dissolution recycling, high-quality PA 66 can be obtained from process scraps and post-consumer-recycled (PCR) materials such as airbags.

Asahi Kasei will present its materials and solutions in three different areas: Compact & Safe EV Batteries, Improved Connectivity & Lightweighting, and Sustainable Material Life Cycle at its location in hall B5, booth 5319.

During this timeframe, the demand for HDPE in the US market exhibited bullish tendencies, with prices rise of 2% for Injection molding grade FOB Texas(USA). Trading activities remained robust, with market participants actively engaging in spot market transactions amidst constrained availability. The upward trajectory of HDPE prices can be further attributed to the heightened costs of feedstock Ethylene and upstream Naphtha, exerting increased cost pressures on the product. Moreover, the surge in export demand, propelled by ongoing logistical challenges, provided producers with additional opportunities to sell their products at elevated prices. Consequently, this heightened export activity facilitated the reduction of excess resin from the domestic market, resulting in tightened domestic supplies and upward pressure on domestic HDPE prices. This overall escalation in HDPE prices aligns with anticipated trends, as international resin prices have strengthened concurrently with the rise in freight costs. The recent uptick in PE spot prices throughout the month has encouraged producers to advocate for another price increase in February, following a successful hike implemented in January.

In the initial half of February 2024, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) experienced an upward price trajectory across Europe and the United States, primarily driven by supply shortages and a surge in demand from the market. In Europe, the upswing in HDPE prices was mainly attributed to constrained supplies coupled with delayed cargo. Meanwhile, in the US, HDPE prices surged due to heightened demand from downstream industries such as construction and packaging. Further, the rising prices of feedstock Ethylene and upstream Naphtha and Crude oil have had a significant impact on the production costs of HDPE in both regions, contributing to the upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, supply disruptions in key transportation routes like the Panama Canal and the Red Sea have also played a role in influencing the pricing dynamics of the product, adding to the market volatility experienced during this period. During this timeframe, the demand for HDPE in the US market exhibited bullish tendencies, with prices rise of 2% for Injection molding grade FOB Texas(USA). Trading activities remained robust, with market participants actively engaging in spot market transactions amidst constrained availability. The upward trajectory of HDPE prices can be further attributed to the heightened costs of feedstock Ethylene and upstream Naphtha, exerting increased cost pressures on the product. Moreover, the surge in export demand, propelled by ongoing logistical challenges, provided producers with additional opportunities to sell their products at elevated prices. Consequently, this heightened export activity facilitated the reduction of excess resin from the domestic market, resulting in tightened domestic supplies and upward pressure on domestic HDPE prices. This overall escalation in HDPE prices aligns with anticipated trends, as international resin prices have strengthened concurrently with the rise in freight costs. The recent uptick in PE spot prices throughout the month has encouraged producers to advocate for another price increase in February, following a successful hike implemented in January. The HDPE market in Europe witnessed a price increase of 2% for Injection grade FD Hamburg(Germany), primarily fueled by constrained supplies stemming from delayed cargo arrivals from the Middle East and limited material quantities from the US. This upward trend was further reinforced by reduced output rates and regional outages. Despite this, overall demand remained relatively stable, marked by subdued activity within end-user industries. Further, market participants in the European market faced significant price hikes in February offers from local producers, despite only a marginal increase in feedstock Ethylene prices. The scarcity of import options and reduced allocations compelled suppliers to prioritize margin expansion, particularly after enduring negative margins for several months. With the February ethylene settlement showing a modest uptick due to sluggish demand in January, the substantial price hikes sought by HDPE suppliers in February will significantly aid them in reclaiming the margins lost over the past few months. Meanwhile, market players are directing their attention toward March, primarily engaging in discussions centered around potential Ethylene contract price settlements for the upcoming month.

A novel transparent polymer reportedly outperforms incumbents such as polycarbonate and acrylic in automotive head-mounted displays. Image courtesy of Asahi Kasei/Business Wire.

Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will exhibit its range of diversified material solutions at Fakuma 2024 from Oct. 15 to 19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Highlights include polymers for thermal management applications in EVs, a novel thermoplastic elastomer for improved recyclability of automotive interior parts, and a cellulose nanofiber composite for high-performance 3D printing.

The Japanese resin supplier will highlight polymers that support sustainability, comfort and performance in automobiles at the plastics-focused trade show in southern Germany.