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Automobile Manufacturing

The automobile manufacturing industry produces millions of passenger cars and commercial vehicles every year. Petrochemicals derived from oil and gas are essential raw materials for many major components. Plastics and polymers make vehicles lighter, improving fuel efficiency. Synthetic rubbers handle extreme temperatures when used in tires and seals. Specialty fluids and lubricants optimize engine performance. Coatings protect from corrosion. By incorporating advanced petrochemical materials into designs, automakers can build more durable cars with enhanced safety, comfort and efficiency.

Some key petrochemicals include synthetic rubber, plastics, carbon fiber composites, foams, coatings, lubricants, and more. Specific materials used include:

  • Synthetic rubber such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) to make tires.
  • Various plastic polymers like polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) for dashboards, bumpers, seating, trim parts and more
  • Lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for structural panels and improved fuel efficiency
  • Polyurethane foams for cushioning in seats to improve comfort.
  • Lubricating oils, brake fluids, protective waxes/coatings derived from petrochemicals.