IXPP foam, or cross-linked polypropylene foam, has become one of the preferred materials in modern automotive interior design due to its unique physical properties, environmental attributes, and significant enhancement of automotive interior performance.Specific applications of IXPP foam in automotive interiors are:
- Sound and heat insulation applications
- Roof and floor sound insulation layer: IXPP foam because of its excellent sound insulation properties, often laid in the roof and floor sandwich, forming an effective acoustic barrier, blocking the external environmental noise, wind noise, road noise, etc. into the car, to create a quiet driving environment for passengers. At the same time, its good thermal insulation performance helps to prevent external heat from directly transferring to the cabin, keeping the temperature inside the car constant, reducing the air-conditioning load and improving energy efficiency.
- Door Insulation Module: Inside the doors, IXPP foam is designed as part of a complex acoustic structure that fills in between the door sheet metal and the interior panels, which not only suppresses noise caused by door vibration, but also prevents noise from outside the car from entering the car through the door gaps. In addition, it can also provide cushioning protection for the window lifting mechanism to reduce operating noise.
- Cushioning and vibration damping applications
- Seat padding and support: IXPP foam is used as padding material for seat cushions, backrests and headrests, providing appropriate softness and elasticity, dispersing the pressure of passengers' bodies and ensuring the comfort of long-time riding. At the same time, its good cushioning properties can absorb part of the impact energy during emergency braking or collision, reducing the direct impact on the human body.
- Instrument panel and centre armrest: IXPP foam is embedded in the back of the instrument panel and the centre armrest, which can reduce the noise caused by vibration of hard plastic parts and improve the overall texture of the interior. For the driver, the soft touch and good damping effect can help reduce the fatigue of driving for a long time.
- Structural Strengthening and Protection
- Support and adhesive base for interior parts: Underneath door trim panels, centre console panels and other interior surface materials, IXPP foam can be used as a support layer or adhesive base to enhance the overall rigidity of the parts, preventing deformation due to prolonged use or temperature changes. At the same time, its smooth surface is easy to bond with other materials to ensure the stability of the interior assembly.
- Filling and reinforcement of structural parts: IXPP foam can be used as filling material inside the body frame, columns, door sills and other structures to enhance the torsional stiffness and impact resistance of the structure, and at the same time, it absorbs vibration energy through its own damping properties to enhance the stability of vehicle driving. In addition, its flame retardant properties to improve vehicle passive safety performance also contribute.
- Harness management and protection applications
- Wiring harness wrapping and fixing: IXPP foam is often used for wrapping and fixing automotive wiring harnesses due to its good flexibility and insulating properties, preventing wiring harnesses from being damaged due to vibration and friction in the course of vehicle operation, and ensuring the reliable operation of the electrical system. Its flame retardant properties can reduce the risk of fire caused by a short circuit in the harness.
- EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) Shielding: Some IXPP foam products have electromagnetic shielding function, which can be used for wrapping wiring harnesses around sensitive electronic equipment, effectively suppressing electromagnetic interference, ensuring the normal operation of vehicle electronic equipment, and improving the stability of vehicle infotainment system.
- Environmental protection and health considerations
- VOC emission reduction: IXPP foam does not add halogens and other harmful substances in the production process, and its low VOC emission characteristics help to improve the air quality inside the car, in line with the strict environmental standards for automotive interior materials. The low odour characteristics of IXPP make the interior of new cars odourless, which improves the consumer's experience of buying a car.
- Recyclability: As a polymer material, IXPP foam has good recyclability. When the vehicle is scrapped, IXPP foam can be separated and recycled, in line with the automotive industry's pursuit of circular economy and efficient use of resources.