Rhodia, Valeo and PSA Peugeot Citroën have carried out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which shows that Technyl polyamide (PA) can reduce the environmental impact of an engine cooling component for the new Peugeot 208.
In the analysis report the companies say that every car contains up to 20% polymers, which adds up to 150-250kg per vehicle, so “recycled polyamides are an important tool in reducing the environmental impact of a car“.
All the firms are involved in making the Technyl part in the car ; Rhodia created the compound, Valeo made the engine cooling component, and PSA Peugeot Citroën used it in one of its vehicles.
The study, which was reviewed by consultancy BIO Intelligence Service, compared the environmental impact of using recycled Technyl PA in place of a standard Technyl grade. It took into account the whole value chain emphasizing seven key environmental criteria: climate change, the depletion of non-renewable resources, the impact on the diminution of the ozone layer, acidification, eutrophication, the consumption of primary energy and photochemical oxidation.
According to the study, using recycled Technyl PA reduces the overall environmental impact of the component throughout its entire life cycle - for the seven targeted criteria the benefits range from -9% to -28%.
The biggest reduction was ozone layer depletion potential, which was 28% less for the than the normal Technyl grade. Abiotic depletion was down 13%, and primary energy demand (from renewable and non-reneable sources) was 14% less.
The companies say using recycled Technyl PS for the annual estimated fan and shroud assembly production for the Peugeot 208 reduces CO2 levels by the amount usually produced 400,000 cars.
However, the recycled grade showed similar mechanical strengths than its non-recycled counterpart. For example, tensile strength was 9,600 MPa for both. Parts made of both material also had identical design, weight and part life.