Latest two polyamide grades offer more than 4dB improvement versus other engineering plastics such as glass reinforced PP or PA, removing expensive acoustic components such as foams or heavy layers.

Rhodia Engineering Plastics introduces new polyamide materials which offer significantly improved acoustic performance Rhodia Engineering Plastics announced the launch of two new polyamide grades offering acoustic performance that is superior to traditional engineering plastics. These new grades offer more than 4dB improvement versus other engineering plastics such as glass reinforced PP or PA. Thanks to their intrinsic acoustic insulation improvement, Technyl Star S 218dB1 M50 and Technyl Star S 218dB2 MV60 allow designers to remove expensive acoustic components such as foams or heavy layers, without affecting the acoustic performance of their systems and even improving it in some cases.

These solutions open then the way for significant cost savings, combined with new design freedom.

As a mono material solution, these two grades offer an easier recycling solution for parts that have to fulfil a noise insulation role than typically used composite solutions.

In automotive under-the-hood applications, Technyl Star S 218dB1 M50 and Technyl Star S 218dB2 MV60 not only contribute to improved passenger comfort, but also help in compliance with environmental noise and recycling regulations.

Rhodia Engineering Plastics' engineers at the Lyon, France-based Acoustic Center have demonstrated that these grades can optimize the acoustic performance of any kind of application that requires a high level of noise insulation.

Obturators, engine covering systems, distribution covers, bonnet louvers or air pipes in automotive, but also various housings in electrical appliances or sound insulators in buildings are applications currently being re-conceived with this innovative solution.

Technical validation on timing belt cover * Acoustic Insulation measured on parts (Timing belt cover).

* Global acoustic insulation performance.

* Current Solution - (PA.6 MD20GF10 + PUR Foam).

* Rhodia Solution (Technyl Star S218 dB1 M50) Values in green --x-- Rhodia Engineering Plastics, headquartered in Lyon, France, is the world wide specialist in polyamide engineering thermoplastic materials.

The company has a sales network that spans the world, with manufacturing plants and technical development centres in Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

Rhodia is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals.

Providing a wide range of innovative products and services to the consumer care, food, industrial care, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, automotive, electronics and fibers markets, Rhodia offers its customers tailor-made solutions based on the cross-fertilization of technologies, people and expertise.

Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders.

Rhodia generated net sales of EUR 5.5 billion in 2003 and employs 23,000 people worldwide.