Analysis of application cases of the new generation of sponge hardener in automotive interior parts and future development trends

Introduction

With the rapid development of the automobile industry, consumers have put forward higher requirements for the comfort, durability and environmental protection of automotive interior parts. Because of its lightweight, soft and shock-absorbing properties, sponge materials are widely used in interior parts such as car seats, door panels, dashboards, etc. However, traditional sponge materials have certain limitations in hardness and durability, which are difficult to meet the needs of high-end automotive interiors. To this end, a new generation of sponge hardener has emerged and has become one of the key technologies to improve the performance of sponge materials. This article will discuss the application of the new generation of sponge hardener in automotive interior parts from the aspects of product parameters, application cases, current domestic and foreign research status and future development trends.

1. Basic concepts and mechanism of action of sponge hardener

1.1 Definition of sponge hardener

Sponge hardener is a chemical additive that can significantly improve the hardness and mechanical properties of sponge materials. It allows the material to have higher hardness and durability while maintaining its softness by changing the molecular structure of the sponge or enhancing its crosslink density.

1.2 Mechanism of action

The new generation of sponge hardener mainly plays a role through the following mechanisms:

• Crosslinking enhancement: The hardener reacts with the polymer chain in the sponge to form a tighter three-dimensional network structure, thereby improving the hardness and strength of the material.
• Filling effect: Some hardeners exist in the form of nanoparticles, filling the microporous structure of the sponge, reducing stress concentration inside the material and improving overall performance.
• Surface Modification: The hardener combines the surfactant with the sponge material to improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of the material.

2. Product parameters of the new generation of sponge hardener

2.1 Main ingredients

The new generation of sponge hardeners are usually composed of the following ingredients:

• Polymer crosslinking agents: such as isocyanate compounds, used to enhance the crosslinking density of sponges.
• Nanofillers: such as silica, calcium carbonate, etc., used to improve the hardness and wear resistance of materials.
• Surface active agent: used to improve the compatibility of hardeners and sponge materials.

2.2 Key Performance Indicators

The following are the main performance parameters of the new generation of sponge hardener:

2.3 Application form

The new generation of sponge hardener can be used in automotive interior parts in the following forms:

• Liquid Spray: Spray hardener in liquid form on the surface of the sponge, suitable for interior parts of complex shapes.
• Solid State Mixing: Mix hardener with sponge raw materials and foam, suitable for large-scale production.
• Immersion treatment: Immerse the sponge in a hardener solution, suitable for components with high hardness requirements.

3. Application cases of the new generation of sponge hardener in automotive interior parts

3.1 Car seat

Case Background

In order to improve the support and durability of seats, a high-end car brand uses a new generation of sponge hardener to modify the seat sponge.

Application Effect

• Hardness Improvement: The hardness of the seat sponge has been increased by 35%, and the riding comfort is significantly improved.
• Enhanced Durability: After 100,000 fatigue tests, the seat deformation rate has been reduced to less than 5%.
• Environmentality: The hardener complies with RoHS standards and meets the environmental protection requirements of the automotive interior.

3.2 Car Door Panel

Case Background

A certain automakerTo improve the impact resistance of the door panel, nanofiller hardener is introduced into the door panel sponge.

Application Effect

• Impact Resistance: The impact resistance of the door panel has been improved by 40%, effectively reducing damage during collision.
• Lightweight: The addition of hardener reduces the weight of the door panel by 15%, which is in line with the trend of automobile lightweighting.
• Surface texture: The surface hardness of the door panel is improved and the touch is more delicate.

3.3 Automobile dashboard

Case Background

In order to improve the durability and anti-aging performance of the instrument panel, a new energy vehicle uses surface spray hardener to treat it.

Application Effect

• Anti-aging properties: After 1000 hours of ultraviolet aging test, there was no obvious change in the surface of the instrument panel.
• Abrasion Resistance: Abrasion Resistance is increased by 50%, extending the service life of the instrument panel.
• Aestheticity: After the hardener is treated, the surface gloss of the instrument panel will be improved and the visual effect will be better.

IV. Current status of domestic and foreign research

4.1 Domestic research progress

In recent years, domestic scientific research institutions and enterprises have made significant progress in the field of the new generation of sponge hardeners. For example:

• Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a hardener based on nanosilicon dioxide, which significantly improves the hardness and wear resistance of the sponge.
• A well-known chemical company has launched an environmentally friendly hardener that has been successfully used in seats and door panels of several automakers.

4.2 Progress in foreign research

Foreigns are also leading the way in the research of the new generation of sponge hardeners:

• BASF, Germany, has developed a multifunctional hardener that has both hardness and elasticity, and is widely used in high-end automotive interiors.
• DuPont, USA, has launched a high-temperature hardener that is suitable for automotive interior parts in high temperature environments.