Polypropylene fibers in automotive

Color & Appeal The color and visual appeal of PP fibers used in the interior of the automobile are important elements of the overall design. To achieve this, selected colorants (pigments) are added to the fiber or yarn during the melt-spinning process in a method of in-process addition commonly known as mass-coloration. Durability and Protection Car interiors are subject to intense light exposure and high temperatures, which will degrade the fabrics if they are not protected with appropriate light stabilizers. HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) have largely contributed to support the market growth of polypropylene for automotive applications. Ciba® CHIMASSORB® and Ciba® TINUVIN® light stabilizers protect the fibers from degradation by UV light. Processing efficiency Melt spinning of polypropylene fibers requires powerful processing stabilization systems. Ciba® IRGANOX® and Ciba® IRGASTAB® are powerful processing stabilizers systems used in fibers spinning to protect the polymers from thermal degradation, prevent discoloration on storage and contribute to extending the lifetime of carpet face fibers and backing. Gas fading (yellowing/pinking) of the fibers is prevented by the phenol-free processing stabilizer systems Ciba® IRGASTAB® FS 102, Ciba® IRGASTAB® FS 210 and Ciba® IRGASTAB® FS 410 which are established in the market. The two IRGASTAB FS systems are especially suited for use when higher UV stability is required. More Safety & Environment Polyolefin nonwovens for seat ticking applications need to pass flame retardant tests such as MVSS 302. Our new halogen-free flame retardant Ciba® FLAMESTAB® NOR™ 116 provides flame retardant efficacy at low concentrations of 0.5-1.5%. Since it is melt processable, it is less likely to compromise the mechanical properties of the fiber. M