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When no spark jumps

Melting foams reduce risk in case of automobile fire

Lucerne, September 11, 2007 – Flames dart from the engine compartment; motorists jump frantically from the smoking car. They need not fear an explosion like the spectacular blasts produced for films, but within just ten minutes a fire in the engine compartment can spread to the rest of the vehicle. To make sure that occupants have enough time to escape from burning cars, strict flammability requirements and specifications for all materials and components have been developed. Foams were long considered critical in this regard. Sekisui Alveo, manufacturer of polyolefin foams, has optimised its products for automotive applications – with success: Alveolen NP(A) FRV is a polyolefin foam that is thermally stable up to 140 degrees Celsius and may carry the suffix "flame resistant".