Automotive components composed of polyolefins

The automotive industry worldwide has, in recent times, experienced a tremendous growth in the use of polyolefin and polyolefin-based components and parts. Extensive use of polyolefins in automobile not only helps to reduce weight and conserve fuel, but also provides added comfort, safety, and reduced air pollution caused by emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. Polyolefins make up approximately 50% of the plastics found in modern cars. Polyolefins and polyolefin-based products (composites, blends, alloys, and hybrids) are extensively used for interior and exterior components of automotive and also find applications for under-the-hood components. It is estimated that the use of plastics reduces the weight of the modern cars by between 150 and 200kg, with estimated 800L of fuel saving, over the average lifetime of a car. This translates to a significant reduction of CO₂ emissions. Polymer materials have replaced, approximately, between 15% and 20% of total automotive components, which means, on the average, a car could use as little as 5L (or less) of fuel for every 100km and emits less than 120g of CO₂/km. In addition to these attributes, their recyclability and relative ease of processing make them viable materials.