At this year's VDI-K conference in Mannheim, Dow Automotive displayed its capabilities in hybrid application development. Shown for the first time as a study for front end carriers at the VDI-K in 2002, the technology can also be used in other applications, including instrument panels.

Technically, the bonded hybrid solution stands for joining different materials while optimally using each material's unique performances. Forming continuous bonds between substrates provides improved structural integrity leading to significant cost and weight savings and helps OEMs achieve significant benefits in both these areas while enabling greater design freedom. Dow Automotive proposes a full range of plastic and adhesive products to help achieve optimal application performance.

The advantages of this technology are also being recognized by the automotive industry:

• In Europe, the first front end carrier based on the bonded hybrid technology went into commercial production in early 2005. This front end carrier features a combination of long glass fibre reinforced (LGF) polypropylene bonded with low energy substrate adhesive (BETAMATE* LESA) to metal parts. One of the major advantages of BETAMATE LESA adhesive is the elimination of the pre-treatment (like flaming or primer-coating) typically needed for polymers with low energy surfaces (typically polypropylene).
   
• A recent joint development with a leading European OEM has confirmed the significant advantages the bonded hybrid technology can offer for instrument panel applications. In addition to the advantages outlined above, by consolidating various parts with different functionalities, the bonded hybrid technology provides an important improvement in packaging space for instrument panels. Furthermore, based on the material and application development capabilities of Dow Automotive, the first validated prototypes confirmed that this solution meets not only the stringent European legislative requirements, but also strict OEM demands.

Supported by further new material and adhesive developments, Dow Automotive is continuously optimizing the performances of bonded hybrid technology. This will create even more advantages for the applications mentioned in this article, but will also create benefits for new applications which are continuously under evaluation.

Dow Automotive is a leading supplier of plastics, adhesives, sealants and other plastics-enhanced products for interior, exterior, under-the-hood, vehicle body structure and acoustical management applications. The organization serves global tier, OEM and aftermarket customers. With offices and application development centers around the world, Dow Automotive provides materials science expertise and comprehensive technical capabilities to its customers worldwide. For additional information about Dow Automotive products and services, visit www.dowautomotive.com. Dow Automotive is a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company.