Plant-derived nylon resin goes under the bonnet

01 May 2009

DuPont’s plant-derived Zytel 610 nylon resin has been used for the first time in the manufacture of DENSO Corporation’s new automotive radiator end tank. It also represents the first application of the resin in mechanical components exposed to the hot, chemically aggressive under-bonnet environment.

The new material, developed jointly by DENSO and DuPont in a proprietary process, contains 40% renewable content by weight derived from the castor bean plant. It meets requirements for exceptional heat resistance, durability and road salt resistance - attributes DENSO says were difficult to deliver with many resins containing a high percentage of plant-derived ingredients.

Production of the part for the global vehicle market begins this spring and DENSO has announced intentions to use the material in a wide range of products.

DuPont has introduced a number of products derived from renewable sources that are made, in whole or in part, from agricultural feedstocks such as corn, soybeans, castor beans, sugar cane and wheat. In addition to the Zytel polyamides, these include Sorona polymer, Sorona EP thermoplastic polymer and Hytrel RS thermoplastic elastomer.