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Solvay's polymer match with Ford's viscosity fluid: Report

11 Dec '15

2 min read

Solvay Specialty Polymers, a leading global supplier of high-performance polymers, has announced in a recent research that several grades from Solvay'sTorlon polyamide-imide (PAI), KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and Amodel polyphthalamide (PPA) polymer lines demonstrate strong compatibility with Ford's new ultra-low viscosity ULV 25 automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

The study builds on past research demonstrating that Solvay's polymers are compatible with common ATFs from other industry-leading automakers. In its latest research, Solvay focused on Ford's ATF ULV 25 (specification #WSS-M2C949-A), which is a free-flowing fluid that enables automatic transmissions to operate more efficiently. The study used ISO tensile bar samples and ASTM compression blocks moulded from six grades of Solvay's high-performance polymers to measure changes in mechanical properties after controlled exposure to Ford's ATF.

Samples tested after 500, 1,000 and 1,500 hours of exposure to ATF ULV 25 showed that the Torlon PAI and KetaSpire PEEK grades categorically exhibited excellent resistance to Ford's ATF ULV 25. The chemical and wear resistance of these Solvay materials is widely recognised by the automotive industry, making them excellent candidates for use in transmission applications, such as bearing cages, seal rings, check balls, fork shift levers, pads, thrust bearings and thrust washers, according to a press release.

The Amodel PPA grades showed mild losses in tensile and flexural strength after 1,500 hours of exposure to the fluid, which appeared to taper off as testing progressed. Both Amodel grades showed minimal change in compression stress throughout the duration of the study. Solvay's PPAs show higher retention of mechanical properties compared to PA 6.6, indicating their added value in solenoid, sensor, and spacer applications, as well as electronic drivetrain components.

Brian Baleno, global automotive business development manager for Solvay Specialty Polymers said, “Solvay Specialty Polymers is committed to offering automakers a diverse selection of advanced material lightweighting solutions to help them improve the efficiency of their transmissions and explore new possibilities for electrification of the drivetrain. This study further underscores that commitment by proactively validating our polymers' chemical resistance with a leading ATF, and giving our customers the confidence to innovate new solutions with highly reliable, industry-leading materials.” (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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