Nanocomposites

In 2001, GM announced the debut of an advanced thermoplastic olefin (TPO) nanocomposite step-assist for use on GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro vans to assist occupants in stepping into and out of the vehicle.

TPO nanocomposites have tremendous potential for the automotive industry because they can replace some steel and aluminum components with no compromises in performance but with considerable cost and weight savings.

They can make plastic parts firmer, lighter and more dimensionally stable. GM currently uses about 1 million pounds of nanocomposites per year in trim, body cladding and other applications and their use is expected to increase.

Nanocomposites are only one small piece of GM’s overall nanotechnology portfolio. It is now considered a proven technology and continues to be used in application areas where it provides benefits to GM customers.

In 2002, GM received the Society of Plastics Engineers’ top innovation award for its nanocomposite technology, and received similar honors by the American Chemical Society.

Nanotech Briefs awarded GM the Nano 50 Award in 2006 for use of TPO nanocomposites on the Hummer H2 sport utility truck, a recognition reserved for the top 50 technologies, products, and innovators to influence state of the art in nanotechnology.

How it works

GM's nanocomposites embody a unique combination of strength and flexibility, achieved by altering the molecules of a clay additive so that it clings to an oil, which it wouldn't otherwise do. The tiny flakes of clay have a huge surface area compared to other filler materials like talc, mica or glass-fiber, improving the look and durability of the plastics with only a fraction of the inorganic filler.

A TPO with as little as 2.5 percent inorganic nanocomposite filler is as stiff and much lighter than parts with 19 times the amount of conventional talc filler. The result is parts that are as much as 20 percent lighter. Performance is improved, too: Cold-temperature impact performance of nanocomposite TPOs is superior to conventional TPOs. And because there is less filler, the parts are easier to recycle at the end of the vehicle’s life.

2007 Model Availability [2008 Coming Soon]

Hummer	H2 SUT
Chevrolet	HHR

Download in MS Powerpoint format [.ppt]: Chevrolet HHR Application [140kb]
 Nanocomposite images on GM Media Online Catalog  [GM photography requires a valid GM Media Online ID and password.]