Automotive Partnership Canada
www.apc-pac.ca
Common menu bar links
News
October 25, 2013
Government of Canada Invests in Next-Generation Automotive R&D: Innovations in Auto Sector Will Foster Growth and Job Creation
May 6, 2013
Canada-Italy Concurrent Call on Automotive Manufacturing R&D
February 22, 2013
Government of Canada Invests in Innovative R&D Projects with Canadian Auto Industry
February 8, 2013 Announcement of APC Call for Proposals: NSERC and ISTP Canada-China Joint Initiative on Clean Automotive Transportation R&D
Fact Sheet
About APC
| Title | Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials and Joints for Heat Exchanger Applications |
|---|---|
| Grant holder | Pearl Sullivan, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering |
| University | University of Waterloo |
| Industrial partner | Dana Canada Corporation |
| Amount | $115,000 over two years |
| Project summary | The increasing shift to plastic materials for manufacturing automotive body components has led to considerable weight savings. Even greater impact is expected if more under-the-hood metallic parts, such as heat exchangers, are replaced with plastics. Although a number of all plastic heat exchanger designs have been patented, none has been developed for commercial use. A major barrier is the limited knowledge on the degradation resistance of plastic materials and, in particular, plastic joints when exposed to fluids such as coolant, water and oil at high temperatures. While plastics need to resist corrosion and chemical degradation, the mechanical and physical properties of plastics are inherently viscoelastic, meaning that long-term dimensional and structural stability become the main concerns in assessing part durability. Under this project, the partners expect to determine an appropriate plastic-based material and joining method for developing a viable plastic heat exchanger. The investigation will compare polyamide, commercially known as nylon, with high performance polyethersulfone (PES). Nylon was considered to be a promising heat exchanger material, but the technology has never been fully pursued. Although PES has been available commercially for some time, its application has been limited in the past due to relatively high costs. This project will evaluate advances in PES development in terms of its applicability for highly corrosive automotive environments and the feasibility of manufacturing processes. Results of the comprehensive experimental study will lead to better understanding of the material's long-term durability and the viability of joints fabricated using advanced welding methods. |
