Solutia, a performance materials and specialty chemicals company, announced that it will display the XIR reflective films and Saflex S series solar absorbing polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers for automotive applications at the 2012 SAE Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Symposium that is scheduled from February 21 to 24 in San Diego, California.
Both the heat-reducing technologies offer cost-effective opportunities to expand range in pure electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The products prevent the penetration of sunlight through vehicle glass without affecting driver’s visibility. Solutia’s Saflex S series and XIR film heat-reducing technologies are suitable for auto glazing applications, including side laminate, back lites, sunroof and windscreen.
The air conditioning (A/C) system in a vehicle uses less power to maintain a required cabin temperature, if less amount of heat is gained while driving. This enables auto designers to employ lighter and smaller A/C systems, which provide the ability to boost the driving range for every charge. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studies have shown that the use of A/C systems in a pure electric vehicle can minimize its driving range by 15% to 40%. The studies also revealed that enhanced solar control technologies like Saflex S series interlayers and XIR reflective films can decrease cabin temperatures by about 13°F to 26°F, based on location. Thus, by reducing the A/C usage, the vehicle range can be increased.
Automotive laminated glass, which uses Solutia’s advanced solar control technologies, can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions on internal combustion (ICE) vehicles as well as enhance fuel efficiency and cabin comfort. In addition, automotive OEMs can gain EPA credit for utilizing these products.
Source: http://www.solutia.com/