Additives Required for Automotive Plastic Corrugated Pipes

Additives for automotive plastic corrugated pipes are key to improving the performance and durability of corrugated pipes. Understand the functions of plasticizers, antioxidants, anti UV agents, flame retardants, anti-static agents, and colorants, and optimize the application of corrugated pipes in automobiles.

Automotive plastic corrugated pipe is an important automotive component widely used in fields such as wire protection, fuel pipelines, exhaust systems, etc. In order to meet the high-performance requirements of the automotive industry for corrugated pipes, in addition to selecting suitable plastic materials (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc.), various functional additives need to be added to improve their performance and durability. This article will provide a detailed introduction to several key additives and their roles in automotive plastic corrugated pipes.
1. Plasticizers
Plasticizers are a type of additive that can increase the flexibility of plastics. They make materials softer and easier to process by reducing the interaction between polymer molecular chains. In automotive corrugated pipes, the role of plasticizers is particularly important, as corrugated pipes need to be installed in narrow and curved spaces and maintain a certain degree of flexibility to adapt to the dynamic motion of the vehicle.
Common plasticizers: phthalates (such as DOP, DEHP), trimethyl phthalates, epoxy soybean oil, etc.
Function: Improve flexibility, reduce hardness, and improve low-temperature performance.
2. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are used to prevent the oxidative degradation of plastics in high-temperature environments, thereby extending the service life of materials. Car corrugated pipes are often exposed to high-temperature environments inside the engine compartment. Without the protection of antioxidants, plastic materials will gradually become brittle and lose their original performance.
Common antioxidants: hindered phenols (such as BHT), phosphites (such as TPP), and sulfides (such as DLTP).
Function: Prevent high-temperature oxidation, extend service life, and maintain material toughness.
3. Anti UV agent
Anti UV agents are used to enhance the resistance of plastics to UV rays and prevent their photodegradation after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Car corrugated pipes are sometimes exposed outside the car or near the windows, and long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause plastic aging, discoloration, and brittleness.
Common anti UV agents: UV absorbers (such as UV-531), light stabilizers (such as HALS).
Function: Prevent UV degradation, extend outdoor service life, maintain material appearance and performance.
4. Flame retardants
Flame retardants are used to improve the flame retardancy of plastics and reduce the risk of fire. In cars, safety is crucial, especially when it comes to components involving wires and fuel pipelines. Bellows need to have good flame retardant performance to prevent combustion caused by electrical short circuits or other fire sources.
Common flame retardants: halogen based (such as brominated epoxy resin), phosphorus based flame retardants (such as red phosphorus), and inorganic flame retardants (such as aluminum hydroxide).
Function: Improve the fire resistance of materials, reduce fire risk, and increase safety.

5. Antistatic agents
Antistatic agents are used to prevent the accumulation of static charges on the surface area of plastics. Static electricity in automotive electrical systems may cause sparks, leading to electrical malfunctions or ignition of flammable gases. Antistatic agents help rapidly release static charges by reducing the resistance of plastic surfaces.
Common anti-static agents: quaternary ammonium salts, sulfonates, conductive fillers (such as carbon black).
Function: To prevent static electricity accumulation, reduce the risk of electrical failures, and improve safety.
6. Colorants
Colorants are used for color identification and aesthetic effects of corrugated pipes. Different colored corrugated pipes can be used to identify pipes for different purposes, such as wire protection pipes, fuel pipes, coolant pipes, etc. In addition, colorants can also enhance the visual beauty and brand recognition of products.
Common colorants: organic pigments (such as phthalocyanine blue), inorganic pigments (such as titanium dioxide), and dyes.
Function: Color identification, aesthetic effect, brand recognition.

Conclusion
In the manufacturing process of automotive plastic corrugated pipes, various functional additives need to be added according to their specific application requirements. These additives not only enhance the physical and chemical properties of corrugated pipes, but also enhance their durability and safety. By selecting and combining plasticizers, antioxidants, anti UV agents, flame retardants, anti-static agents, and colorants reasonably, automotive plastic corrugated pipes with excellent performance and adaptability to complex environmental requirements can be manufactured, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of automotive operation.

Tips

As a manufacturer of flame retardants, we have three types of flame retardants that can be used for corrugated pipes,
The first one is a low odor flame retardant, which will not have a particularly strong odor in the workshop during the production process, and the addition ratio is 5-6%;
The second type is halogen-free flame retardant, which is V0, drip free, and environmentally friendly;
The third type is an anti-aging and anti-static flame retardant, which can save costs by eliminating the need to add anti-static agents;
If you have any other needs, we can also customize flame retardants for you!