WARREN, MICH. — An advanced thermoplastic olefin (TPO) nanocomposite part is being used on 2002 GM mid-size vans, in the first automotive exterior application of this lightweight, high performance and affordable material, General Motors and partners Basell, Southern Clay Products and Blackhawk Automotive Plastics announced today.
GM and the three suppliers have played key roles in making a TPO-based nanocomposite step-assist for 2002 GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro vans that assists occupants in stepping into and out of the vehicle. The vans are produced by GM at its Baltimore Assembly Plant and the step-assist is a dealer-installed option.
Nanocomposites are stiffer, lighter and less brittle in cold temperatures. They will also be more recyclable because there is less additive material in the plastic mix.
On a volume basis, parts made of nanocomposites cost about as much as conventional TPOs because less material is needed to manufacture them. Also, no new tooling is required to mold these parts. GM and Basell expect the price to improve as nanocomposites find their way into more parts.
"Although the step-assist is a simple, low-volume part, we see this as a significant and exciting first step that opens the door to increased use of TPO-based nanocomposites in future vehicles," said Alan I. Taub, executive director of science for GM Research and Development.