TRELLEBORG, Sweden (March 11, 2009)—Trelleborg A.B.'s automotive unit has acquired a manufacturing license to produce Dow Hyperlast's Autothane products.
The system meets demanding original equipment manufacturer specifications for noise vibration harshness, vehicle ride and handling improvements, Trelleborg said.
Under the agreement, Trelleborg Automotive has exclusive manufacturing rights for Autothane in North and South America and Europe, with nonexclusive rights in Asia.
Autothane is a high-performance microcellular elastomer with a closed-cell MDI-based structure, excellent hydrolytic stability and the ability to withstand repeated high-load compression, returning to its original shape, Trelleborg said.
Applications for Autothane are in suspension systems—to manage shock, impact and vibration, improving vehicle handling and safety—and in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorsport applications. Autothane provides resistance to water, salt, oils, fuels, chemicals, grease, ozone and microbial attack, and withstands extremes of temperature and climate, the company said.