Two polyamide grades offer more than 4dB improvement versus other engineering plastics such as glass reinforced PP or PA and so replace foams or heavy layers.

Rhodia Engineering Plastics today 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 STARTM S 218dB1 M50 and Technyl STARTM 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 STARTM S 218dB1 M50 and Technyl STARTM 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.

Target automotive applications for these new acoustic grades include carburators, engine covering systems, distribution covers, bonnet louvers or air pipes.

Additionally, various housings in electrical appliances, as well as sound insulators in buildings are applications currently being developed with this innovative material solution.