Electromobility and autonomous driving are posing new challenges to the materials used in vehicles, yet at the same time opening up new opportunities. Thanks to their outstanding properties, polyamides (PAs) have been a go-to material for components in challenging environment. These engineering thermoplastics are also gaining popularity and in great demand for applications in the automotive industry. In the automotive industry, the tightening of CO2 emission and noise legislations has been significantly pushing the demand for new and innovative materials. PA Foam, a foam material based on polyamide, offers unique possibilities for lightweight and noise reducing applications. The PA Foam features the typical heat, chemical and oil resistant properties of polyamide, mixed with an outstanding rigidity or noise reducing quality depending on the shape of the beads. PA Foam consisting of round-shaped beads features a strong rigidity, making it a promising alternative material for aluminum and metal in structural applications, as well as for use for insulators, ducts, spacers, or other lightweight parts of the battery case of electric vehicles. PA Foam with a C- or macaroni-shape provides noise insulation in addition to the typical polyamide properties. Possible applications can be found everywhere around the car, especially in the engine compartment. Used for engine covers, it does not only contribute to lightweight, but also significantly reduces the radiating engine noise. As the PA Foam can also reduce noise coming from the outside, possible applications can be found in the roof and bonnet as well as in the seat and floor structure. Foam beads made of polyamide can be processed in a steam molding process on standard polystyrene molding equipment. Furthermore, a significant reduction of resin for the production process can be achieved, contributing to an overall cost reduction. Source:https://www.adsalecprj.com/Publicity/ePub/lang-eng/article-67033403/asid-27/EbookArticle.aspx