Propylene Composite Damping Mount Material for EV Low-Frequency Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoplastic polymer compositions used in motor vehicle structural parts and anti-vibration mounts do not exhibit satisfactory damping characteristics at frequencies between 1 and 3000 Hz and temperatures below 50°C, which are critical for electric vehicles, and they are also heavy due to metallic materials.

Innovation Solution

A non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymer composition comprising propylene polymers and a hydrocarbon plasticizing resin with a glass transition temperature of 20°C or greater, combined with a fibrous reinforcing filler, provides improved damping and mechanical properties at these frequencies and temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic materials are used for structural parts, then mechanical strength is satisfied, but weight increases and vibration damping performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite material system consisting of polyamide matrix, glass fiber reinforcement, and specific plasticizers to achieve both mechanical strength and vibration damping performance. The composite structure combines the high strength of glass fibers with the ductility and damping capability of the plasticized polyamide matrix, replacing metallic materials while maintaining structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If glass fiber reinforced polyamides are used, then mechanical properties are maintained, but damping characteristics deteriorate at temperatures below 50°C

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoiddamping characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the polyamide matrix by introducing specific plasticizers (phthalates, adipates, or sebacates) in controlled amounts (1-20 phr). This parameter modification shifts the glass transition temperature and alters the molecular mobility of the polymer chains, enabling improved damping characteristics at low temperatures while preserving mechanical properties through the glass fiber reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different functional components to different aspects of material performance: glass fibers provide local reinforcement for mechanical strength, while the plasticized polyamide matrix provides local damping capability through modified molecular mobility. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both strength and damping characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If styrene block thermoplastic elastomer is added to improve damping, then damping performance improves, but mixing problems increase and low temperature performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping performanceVSAvoidmixing problems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using styrene block elastomer, the invention changes the approach by modifying the polyamide matrix with plasticizers that have specific glass transition temperatures below -50°C. This parameter change avoids the incompatibility and mixing issues of elastomers while achieving similar damping effects through enhanced molecular mobility in the plasticized matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves significant damping improvements at 1-3000 Hz and 10-50°C, maintaining mechanical strength, making it suitable for replacing metal parts in vibration damping devices.

Implementation Method 1

a plasticizing system comprising at least one aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon resin having a glass transition temperature Tg equal to or greater than 20°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a reinforcing filler comprising a fibrous filler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReinforcement: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentEP4656680A1Thermoplastic polymer composition, method for preparing same and vibration damping device incorporating same
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HUTCHINSON SA
  • EP4656680A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656680A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656680A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition based on at least one propylene polymer, and a device for a motor vehicle, particularly an electric one, capable of damping vibrations at frequencies of 1-3000 Hz and at average temperatures of 10-50°C. The composition (I1, I2) comprises, by mass fractions: 50-91% of a non-elastomeric polymer matrix, the matrix being based on at least one propylene polymer selected from propylene homopolymers and copolymers, 8-45% of a reinforcing filler comprising a fibrous filler, and 1-18% (for example, 2-18%) of a plasticizing system comprising at least one aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic hydrocarbon resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) equal to or greater than 20°C, preferably said at least one hydrocarbon resin being aliphatic or alicyclic and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) inclusive of 10°C. between 25 and 50° C.