The car maker is using compounds in exterior parts on various vehicles

General Motors expects its consumption of nanoclay thermoplastic olefin (TPO) compounds to hit the 300 tonne mark this year, making the automotive giant the world’s leading consumer of these high performance composite materials.

GM first used nanocomposites on the exterior step-plates on the 2002 version of its Safari and Astro vans. Since then it has introduced the materials on the body side mouldings of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala and, most recently, several exterior parts on the 2005 Hummer H2 utility vehicle.

According to GM Research & Development staff scientist Will Rodgers, the key attraction of nanocomposite TPOs is that acceptable performance can be achieved at lower filler loadings than with conventional filler systems.

Benefits include lower weight and improvements in both surface definition and appearance. Nanocomposite TPOs are also more resistant to surface scratching, making them highly suitable for unpainted exterior mouldings. GM has developed its current nanocomposite materials in conjunction with resin supplier Basell and nanoclay supplier Southern Clay Products.