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Automotive Interiors: What Material is Best for You?

Interiors matter. Yes, while the rest of the world sees the exterior of the vehicle you're driving, it's the driver who sees what's on the inside. Interiors are being designed more sleek, user-friendly and personal. Think about it: A car could look cool and sexy from the outside, but when you're the one who has to drive it day in and day out, you're going to want something that's pleasing to you. And while trim, color and texture are important factors in any vehicle interior, it is the materials that help give a car's interior that true driver-car connection. Most of these materials are plastic-based due to the fact that plastics open up design opportunities that aren't necessarily doable with other materials. Plastics are also easy and inexpensive to manufacture. But perhaps most importantly, they're durable, reliable and, contrary to popular belief that they'll melt away in hot conditions, resistant to various types of weather conditions.

Here's a look at a few of the more prominent types of plastics used in automotive interiors:

Polycarbonate: This thermoplastic polymer can be easily molded and formed, making it easy to manufacture and opening the door for great design flexibility. They are characterized by their light weight, and certain types are transparent, so it's applicable to many things you would find in the interior of an automobile. Polycarbonates are also eco-friendly: They're being increasingly used to replace traditional glass interior parts, which help to reduce vehicle weight, thereby increasing fuel efficiency. This type of plastic is also considered very durable and has a high impact resistance.

Polyurethane: These plastics are characterized as featuring the elastic qualities of rubber, but the toughness of metals. They are available in different hardness states, thereby allowing engineers to replace materials like metal, rubber and even conventional plastics. In terms of automotive interiors, polyurethanes are being increasingly used in things like car seats, dashboards and instrument panels. These materials can be made so durable that automakers are even using them in various under the hood applications.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane: Ever been in a car where the interior boasted a shiny, soft look? Chances are many of the parts you were admiring were made of thermoplastic polyurethane (it's the same material that many protective mobile phone cases are made of, as well). This plastic can be altered custom to a designer's desired final material property. And as you may have already guessed, thermoplastic polyurethanes are commonly used on surface parts. They can withstand all types of weather conditions and are very reliable and long lasting.

Not only can designers achieve visually appealing interiors from using plastics and plastic-based materials, but plastics also address things like noise reduction, which also helps to contribute to a pleasurable driving experience.

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