SABIC debuts at automotive interiors expo 2019 paintable LNP™ LUBRICOMP™ compounds to reduce buzz, squeak and rattle

SABIC is introducing here today at Automotive Interiors Expo 2019 (Booth #A118) two new LNP™ LUBRICOMP™ compounds, developed to help mitigate buzz, squeak and rattle (BSR) noises in vehicle cabins. These injection moldable compounds, a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) grade and a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (PC/ASA) grade, provide a low-gloss finish to address general preferences for automotive interior decorative parts. Compared to silicone lubricants, which have the potential to leach out and interfere with paint adhesion, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricants, which can limit paint choices, these two new LNP™ LUBRICOMP™ compounds feature a proprietary internal lubrication technology and deliver excellent paintability.

SABIC’s Specialties business, exhibiting at the expo for the first time, will also give a presentation at the show discussing innovative BSR solutions on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 4:10 p.m. Ed Williams, senior product manager, LNP, will speak on material solutions for reducing BSR and will present test results from the company’s sophisticated stick-slip-effect test bench from Ziegler-Instruments.

“We’re steadily expanding our LNP product portfolio, which reflects 70 years of technology innovations and achievements, with new products that can solve some of the latest industry challenges and address current and emerging industry trends,” said Williams. “Our two new internally lubricated grades for auto interiors combine reduced BSR noise with improved paintability, helping to solve two aesthetic issues with one leading-edge solution. SABIC is committed to developing high-value, innovative compounds that help automotive customers stay ahead of evolving industry demands, design trends and consumer preferences.” 

The two new LNP LUBRICOMP compounds incorporate specialized lubricant technology that mitigates the friction-induced slip-stick phenomenon, which causes squeaking noises. SABIC’s new grades allow for better paintability than silicone – which can migrate to the part surface and interfere with paint adhesion – and reduce restrictions on paint selection that may occur with PTFE.

The new LNP grades can also simplify production by avoiding the need for secondary BSR mitigation like tape-based felt spacers and external lubricants. Further, they can be processed using existing tooling. Both grades offer good low-temperature impact performance and are supplied in black with a low-gloss finish.

Automotive Interiors Expo 2019 runs from Oct. 22 - 24 in Novi, Mich. SABIC management and technical experts are available throughout the show to answer questions, provide guidance and support, and discuss the company’s growing portfolio of industry-leading specialty compounds and technical capabilities.