SABIC debuts Specialty materials for enhanced auto design, function & circularity at PIAE 2026

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, is launching here today at PIAE 2026 new LNP™ ELCRIN™ SLX compounds based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and new LNP KONDUIT™ WTF2C compound that supports thermal management in ADAS components. At Stand 22, the company is showcasing these new compounds and a range of other specialty material solutions for advancing automotive part design and aesthetics, improving functionality and performance, and supporting circularity and emissions reduction.

“To remain successful, the automotive industry must continually innovate on multiple fronts, from styling to sustainability,” said Sergi Monros, vice president, SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU. “SABIC keeps pace with these changes by proactively developing new materials based on a deep knowledge of customer requirements and market trends. The solutions we’re showing here demonstrate our industry understanding and build on decades of collaboration with OEMs and tier suppliers.”

SABIC’s new LNP ELCRIN SLX2373RCC and SLX2375RCC compounds are made with 30 percent and 45 percent PCR content, respectively. They offer excellent weatherability and impact resistance to extend the life of high-gloss molded-in color parts, thereby avoiding volatile emissions from painting and facilitate end-of-life recycling/recovery. A shark fin antenna and heated ADAS radome using these materials are on display.

In ADAS, SABIC’s specialty materials portfolio helps address customer requirements for EMI shielding, strength, thermal conductivity and chemical resistance in radar, LiDAR and other sensor systems. SABIC’s new thermally conductive LNP KONDUIT WTF2C compound can replace die-cast aluminum in housings for ADAS radar and electronic control units (ECUs) to increase design flexibility, cut weight, system costs and emissions. This compound is compatible with existing production methods, including laser welding and heat staking. Also, SABIC’s new EXTEM™ RH1017UCL resin is an optical thermoplastic polymer that withstands lead-free reflow soldering and is well suited for optical sensor lenses used in driver monitoring and gesture control systems, as well as for optical multigigabit connectivity solutions for next-generation vehicle architecture.

For automotive lighting, ULTEM™ resins meet high temperature requirements (up to 230°C) for complex modules like digital matrix LED headlights composed of adjustable micromirrors. ULTEM resins reduce weight and outgassing and enable direct metallization in components such as lens barrels, spacers, brackets and reflectors.

Lighting applications on display include an illuminated front grille from a leading OEM that uses LNP™ ELCRES™ SLX1271D copolymer to enhance part design and aesthetics. The material provides a UV-resistant high-gloss surface and paint-free molded-in color, including diffusive colors  that optimize backlighting.

An energy absorber for EV batteries, featuring NORYL GTX™ resin, will also be on display, and showcase the benefits of replacing metal with thermoplastics. This honeycomb demonstrator part is well suited for use inside the rocker panel, where it can deliver lightweight yet robust side impact protection across a wide temperature range. It is injection molded, which facilitates complex designs and simplifies assembly. NORYL GTX resin can also replace polyamide in this application, where it delivers better low temperature ductility and higher modulus at elevated temperatures.

PIAE 2026 is being held in Baden-Baden, Germany, March 18-19, 2026