ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, March 19, 2015 - Advanced polypropylene (PP) compounds provide a significant opportunity to save weight in automotive applications. As the leading company in this field, LyondellBasell showcases the latest applications at the Plastics in Automotive Engineering technical conference, which is organized by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) in Mannheim, Germany.

Saving Weight with Polypropylene Compounds

One impressive and demanding application is the Rear Quarter Panel in the new 5-door MINI (image) that has been produced using a Softell-PP compound that has been reinforced with 25% glass fiber. Compared with the PC/ABS mix that has been used previously, Softell TKG 300N demonstrates improved haptic and lower weight and allows for a matte surface finish that meet the interior design criteria of the customer. Added customer advantages are a favorable balance between toughness and stiffness, low emissions, UV stability and scratch resistance.

LyondellBasell has also developed low-density material solutions for the bumpers of the latest BMW 3 and 7 series and the e-cars i3 and i8, where Hifax TKC 461X Black has been used successfully in both applications. The reduced talc content of 12% is realizing a significant weight saving compared to the 20% talk filled compound used before. This material supports the zero-gap concept in a temperature range with low thermal expansion. It exhibits good paintability and a balance between toughness and stiffness.

International highlight: Thermoforming with Sequel E3400 - Benefits across the supply chain

The market for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) compounds for thick-sheet thermoformed parts in the automotive and transportation industry continues to grow at a healthy pace.

The latest application is the use of Sequel E3400 in the U.S., where LyondellBasell is offering a TPO for the rear doors of a new range of refrigerator trucks.

The benefits compared with the foamed ABS previously used are enhanced low temperature impact strength and cracking resistance, and superior weatherability without the need for a cap layer. Additional customer benefits are excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance which all contribute to a cost and weight savings in the production of these parts.

SAVE10 - a LYB weight saving initiative for Global - Intelligent - Solutions

LyondellBasell is introducing SAVE 10 - a material concept that offers the potential to save 10 kg of car weight by using innovative PP compounds and technologies in support of the megatrend "car weight reduction for better CO2 balance". LyondellBasell is offering:

1) New generation of materials with lower density as drop-in solution (same tool shrinkage) for interior and exterior applications.

2) Manufacturing of aesthetically pleasing surfaces for interior applications with uncoated Softell-Compounds in one injection molding step, replacing painted technical polymers.

3) Latest generation of short glass fiber reinforced materials to replace higher density and higher cost technical polymers for structural parts.

4) Solutions with organic fillers and lower density to replace talcum reinforced grades for structural parts as drop-in solution.

5) Solutions with foamed PP compounds (soft & rigid) for weight saving.

6) Plastic Interface Technology, innovative bonding enabling back molded plastic composite materials with high class surfaces such as aluminum in one injection molding step.

In addition to these material solutions, LyondellBasell is supporting system suppliers and OEMs with world class CAE simulation services from injection molding to finished part testing to verify the performance of innovative PP compounds.

About LyondellBasell

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies. The company manufactures products at 55 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive components, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com.

Before using a product sold by a company of the LyondellBasell family of companies, users should make their own independent determination that the product is suitable for the intended use and can be used safely and legally. Users should review the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet before handling the product. Seller makes no warranty; express or implied (including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any warranty) other than as separately agreed to by the parties in a contract.

Any technical advice, assistance, recommendations, testing or reports provided by the LyondellBasell ("LYB") family of companies to you for any reason, including, but not limited to (i) the selection, processing or use of a LYB product, (ii) the storing, handling or usage of a LYB product, or (iii) the modification of a LYB product in an end-use application, or (iv) assistance about technical feasibility of applications, or (v) assistance about design and simulation methods or procedures (collectively, "Technical Assistance") is given and accepted at your sole risk and without any warranty whatsoever. LyondellBasell will have no liability or responsibility for the use of, results obtained from, or any other aspects of the Technical Assistance, including, but not limited to, the preparation and delivery hereof. You are encouraged to verify independently any such Technical Assistance.

Hifax, Softell and Sequel are trademarks owned or used by the LyondellBasell family of companies and are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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