Faurecia and Dow Automotive have developed a new type of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) foam for vehicle seats, reports Plastic Today. The new TDI foam eliminates 99% of volatile amines emissions, resulting in the reduction of global VOC emissions by 60%, says Faurecia. The foam pads which involve Dow’s Speflex Activ polyurethane solution are planned to be used initially in rear backrests.
Faurecia plans to begin the production of foam pads in foam densities ranging from 45 to 55 kilogram per cubic metre at its facility in Magny-Vernois, France. These amines-free foam pads will begin to be used by the French automakers soon. The new TDI pad is more responsive returning quickly to its original shape and performs well with regards to vibrations originating from tires, vehicle structures and road conditions.
Marc Poncelet, director R&D Foam & Accessories, Faurecia Automotive Seating, said, "Our volatile amines-free TDI foam pad is the first of its kind, eliminating external catalysts and their emissions from the production process while improving mechanical properties of the seat."
Significance: Automotive seat pads can be made of Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) or TDI type of polyurethane foam with different levels of density to meet the specifications of vehicle models. These products incorporate amines as catalysts which is one of the major sources of VOCs. The new foam pad does not use any external amine catalysts making it sustainable and eco-friendly solution. Faurecia anticipates that the new foam will help automakers meet impending restrictions on global Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions in Asia especially in China, Japan and South Korea as well as forestall interior emissions in vehicles all across the globe.
