BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, and Mercedes-Benz have been awarded 2nd place in the “Enabler Technology” category at the 2024 SPE Automotive Awards for their collaboration on the Ultramid® Expand polyamide particle foam. This innovative impact absorber, developed for the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX technology program, aims to revolutionize automotive safety and efficiency.

Traditionally, impact absorbers in vehicles have relied on heavy and costly metal structures. However, Ultramid® Expand offers a superior alternative by significantly reducing weight while enhancing energy absorption during collisions. This polyamide particle foam not only meets rigorous automotive standards but also streamlines production processes, making it more cost-effective compared to traditional metal solutions.

Designed to withstand the stringent requirements of automotive applications, Ultramid® Expand excels in body-in-white painting processes and integration within car structures, thanks to its robust temperature resistance. Its composition, based on a blend of polyamide 6 types, allows for efficient molding without generating foam waste. This capability ensures ease of processing on existing equipment, further optimizing manufacturing efficiency.

Moreover, the foam’s compatibility with overmolding enhances its versatility, enabling the creation of hybrid components that can be fully recycled as thermoplastic systems at the end of their lifecycle. This feature underscores BASF’s commitment to sustainability by promoting a closed materials cycle without compromising component durability.

Source: BASF