TROY, Mich., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont Composite Recycle Technology
and the joint program with DENSO Corp. to test its viability captured the 2004
environmental award for New Technology in Materials and Processes from the
Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers. DuPont
Engineering Polymers and DENSO Corp. accepted the award today at the annual
Global Environmental Conference (GPEC) in Detroit.
DuPont Composite Recycle Technology, a closed-loop nylon recycling
process, can convert parts made of glass- or mineral-filled nylon 6 or 66 into
first-use quality material in a way that is economically viable and
environmentally responsible. In addition to employing breakthrough
technology, the program is unique in that it inspires collaboration along the
value chain to help promote the long-term economic viability for recycling.
Composite Recycle dissolves used polyamide then filters away contaminants
and fillers. The molecular weight of the recovered polyamide is increased to
whatever level is desired for the final application. This process generates
resin that is essentially equivalent to virgin nylon.
Since DuPont Engineering Polymers and DENSO announced a joint development
program to test the viability of this technology by converting used radiator
end tanks into new radiator end tanks, DENSO has completed material and in-use
component testing. The results indicate: "this technology can be one of the
most effective recycling technologies for increasing the recycle ratio of End
of Life Vehicles (ELV) in the future," according to DENSO.
The European Union ELV directive requires that 85 percent of a vehicle,
measured by weight, be capable of recovery and reuse by the end of 2005 (the
current figure for recycling is about 75 percent, which primarily relates to
the metal content).
"The promise of value grows greater with each development activity," said
William Hsu, vice president and chief technical officer of DuPont Performance
Materials. DuPont Engineering Polymers is a unit of the DuPont Performance
Materials business platform.
"The ability to reclaim large glass and mineral filled nylon components
such as radiator end tanks or potentially other components made of nylon can
help automakers meet new regulations, but the benefit to society is that the
landfill waste is reduced," he said.
"This technology enables automakers to proceed with more practical recycle
programs for many plastics parts," said Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, general manager
of DENSO material engineering department.
DuPont Engineering Polymers has led the industry in developing new
technologies to help manage the lifecycle of plastics. "Through years of
discovery and breakthrough, we realize there is no single, silver bullet as it
relates to recycling nylon and engineering plastics," said Hsu. "Our vision
is to collaborate with our partners along the value chain to understand what
needs to be done and then employ technology and lifecycle tools to develop
materials solutions that are safe, economically sustainable and reduce overall
environmental footprint."
DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a
leading global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and
components. Worldwide, the company employs 90,000 people in 31 countries and
regions including Japan. Consolidated global sales for the year ended
March 31, 2003, totaled US$ 19.4 billion. For further information, please
visit http://www.globaldenso.com .
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better,
safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a
wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture,
nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and
construction, transportation and apparel.
Note: High-resolution images are available on the news sites for
plastics.dupont.com or automotive.dupont.com .
DuPont Composite Recycle Technology will be on display in booth 1643 at
the 2004 SAE World Congress, March 8-11 in Detroit.
SOURCE DuPont Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.globaldenso.com
http://plastics.dupont.com http://automotive.dupont.com
CONTACT:
Carole Davies of DuPont Automotive, Tel:
+1-248-583-8112, Fax: +1-248-583-4556,
Carole.a.davies@usa.dupont.com ; or Stephen Lee of Eisbrenner
Public Relations, Tel: +1-248-641-1446, Fax: +1-248-641-1445,
slee@eisbrenner.com
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