Plastics and Mobility. Future Paths and Challenges

Abstract

The CO₂ legislation of the European Union poses an enormous challenge for the automotive industry. Since high fines will be levied for every additional g/km of carbon dioxide emitted, the automotive industry is taking a wide array of measures. Along with increasing the efficiency of the classic internal combustion engines, great stock is also being placed in reducing the weight. Modern polymeric materials will play a pivotal role here and the problems will only be solved with intelligent materials. The paper discusses not only the opportunities existing already, but also the difficulties and challenges being faced. Current developments still have a long way to go and will call for a great deal of perseverance, since the currently favoured systems still have to prove their technical as well as financial viability.