Polymeric Materials for the Future Automobiles

Abstract

The most important challenge in automotive industries is to reduce global warming CO₂ generation substantially to Zero. Electrification is the main trend to achieve this objective, such as EV, FCV and PHEV. Polymer materials are expected to contribute to this aspect as functional materials e.g. high thermal conductive electrical insulator. Vehicle weight reduction is the big factor to reduce vehicle running energy consumption. Module construction and component integration are quite effective for this purpose. CFRP is expected to contribute weight reduction for the future automotive application. Rubber components are also required weight reduction and demands for low running resistance tire is increasing. New application of polymer materials will be widely expected for the next generation automotive.