Innovation and collaborations essential to fuel sustainable growth, says DuPont leader

Collaborations are essential to fuel innovation in the automotive industry and accelerate the green car evolution, DuPont Performance Polymers president Diane H. Gulyas told leaders attending the World Knowledge Forum 2010 in Seoul, South Korea.

"Materials expertise and collaboration are fundamental to fueling the materials revolution the industry needs," Gulyas said.

Gulyas noted that the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels is spurring innovation in materials to lightweight cars to reduce fuel consumption. For example, DuPont Zytel® PLUS nylon was invented in response to industry demand for long-term heat and chemically resistant plastics.

“Using Zytel PLUS nylon to replace metal in the targeted applications will eliminate 11 kilograms (kg) per vehicle,” Gulyas said. “Apply that to the 72 million engines scheduled for 2011 and we can eliminate the need for 144 million gallons of gas – or 3 million barrels of crude oil.”

Gulyas highlighted other examples of collaborations that reduce dependence on fossil fuels – including the first use of renewably sourced plastic in an under-hood mechanical component and the world’s first use of thermoplastic in an oil pan module that saves 1 kilogram. Other DuPont automotive collaborative-based programs include advanced materials to help develop safer, lighter, more powerful electric vehicles that can go further on a charge, improve safety and ensure performance in downsized engines.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.