Automotive & public transport

Automotive & public transport

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Driving Towards Efficiency

Beyond corrosion-resistant paints, epoxies play key roles in automotive manufacturing. From one-component adhesives to electrical insulation coils and lightweight composite parts, these dynamic resins enhance fuel efficiency and contribute to greener transportation.

The automotive industry in Europe comprises 2.3 million jobs, producing 19 million vehicles per year! [7] By integrating epoxy-based CED coatings and reducing paint usage by just 1%, producers can generate nearly €260 million in annual savings! [9]

Revolutionising Vehicle Protection

When it comes to safeguarding vehicles and boosting their longevity, epoxy resins are the driving force in the automotive industry! For over 30 years, these superhero coatings have been preserving structural integrity, preventing rust, and adding years to the life of our beloved cars.

Thanks to the ground breaking Waterborne Cathodic Electro Deposition technology, epoxies have become the go-to solution for protecting 90% of cars produced today.[1] These thin, anti-corrosive epoxy coatings serve as primers, offering superior adhesion and resistance to corrosive agents. Topped with visually appealing mid and top layers, they shield against UV damage and gravel-induced chips, all while keeping vehicles shining like new.

Epoxies have become the go-to solution for protecting 90% of cars produced today.

A Greener Journey

Lighter parts mean lower fuel consumption, reducing emissions and operating costs.[5] By extending the life of vehicles, they conserve energy and resources, leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

By integrating epoxy-based CED coatings and reducing paint usage by just 1%, producers can generate nearly €260 million in annual savings!

Did you know?

Europe’s automotive industry invests €57 billion in R&D annually, making it the largest private investor in research and development! Epoxy-based coatings protect vehicles and drive innovation and progress in the automotive sector.

Fueling the Future

Epoxy resins find their way into various applications in the European transport sector, totalling 45,000 tonnes annually.[6] After energy and construction, transportation holds the third-largest share of epoxy used in the EU.

Transportation Beyond Cars

Trains also benefit from epoxy parts that reduce weight and prevent corrosion damage.

In aviation, epoxies take flight with composite components, boosting durability, efficiency, and strength. The Airbus A350-900, constructed predominantly with composite material (54%), is one of the most fuel-efficient planes in the world. It has a range of 8,000 nautical miles (9400 in the Ultra Long Range (ULR) version and can fly for up to 17 hours (20 hours for the ULR version) without refuelling.

In the EU, the weight savings achieved by using epoxy composites instead of aluminium in the Airbus A350-900s are estimated to reduce fuel usage by some 4,400 million kg per year, saving €2,600 million in fuel costs and 14 million tonnes of CO2 aircraft emissions per year.

References

[1] Coatings Formulations, Bodo Müller and Ullrich Pott, in Waterborne Stoving Enamels, 4.4 Electrodeposition, Vincentz, Part II: Waterborne Paints, 2006; Paint and Surface Coatings, D.A. Ansdell 1987.

[2] Guide to Cleaner Technologies: Organic Coating Replacements, Environmental Protection Agency, 1994

[3] Typically about 20 microns, according to “E-Coat Film Thickness Capabilities”, Products Finishing Magazine, 2012

[4] Structural Composites in Cars: Charting their manufacturing processes and evolution, in both racing and road cars, Road and Track, 2011

[5] Epoxy Resins: Silent Enablers of a Sustainable Economy. Market Overview and Socio-Economic Analysis of the European Epoxy Resin Industry, 2010

[6] ‘Epoxy Resins updated Socio-economic Assessment’, 2019.

[7] PSA plant closing leaves Europe with 18 factories too many, Automotive News Europe, 2013

[8] ACEA Automobile Industry Pocket Guide, European Automobile Manufacturers Association 2011

[9] Epoxy Resins: Silent Enablers of a Sustainable Economy. Market Overview and Socio-Economic Analysis of the European Epoxy Resin Industry, 2010