SABIC to Support Development of Autonomous Driving Technologies

Urbanization is fostering the development of autonomous driving technology and broader adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), prompting automotive OEMs to actively seek high-performance materials that can optimize the capabilities of today's high-frequency (>75 GHz), millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar units. To help address this need, SABIC is launching two new materials developed for front and rear housing covers of next-generation radar units, respectively: LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ WFC06I and WFC06IXP compounds. The new glass-fiber-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) grades offer very low dissipation factor (Df) and dielectric constant (Dk) to help support transmission of higher-frequency radar signals. Additionally, they feature ultra-low warpage properties, enabling designers to potentially create new, thinner covers that enhance signal transmission. Moreover, these new SABIC products can support high-speed, high-precision laser welding, contributing to efficient radar unit assembly. In fact, the LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06I compound provides excellent laser transmission performance among currently available PBT materials. Joshua Chiaw, Operations Management Director, SABIC LNP & NORYL, said, "As the automotive industry develops new vehicle technologies aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and increasing safety in expanding urban areas, advances in ADAS are rapidly accelerating. SABIC is aggressively developing new materials to help ADAS designers meet their goals around size and weight reduction, signal transmission accuracy and reliability improvements, and seamless vehicle integration. We work closely with companies at every level of the ADAS value chain to understand and address rapidly evolving and challenging requirements with specialized, high-performance material solutions."  

Improving Radar Image Resolution

Many ADAS designers are adopting higher-frequency mmWave radar technology, as improved image resolution and extended range can enable safer driving under various conditions. However, frequencies in the 76–81 GHz band present greater transmission challenges compared to lower frequencies. To improve wave transmission, radar covers require very low Df and Dk, thinner walls, and a simplified design without support structures. Current glass-filled PBT materials typically do not meet these transmission optimization requirements; for example, they exhibit Df performance greater than 0.01. Additionally, as semi-crystalline polymers, they show high warpage tendencies when used in thin-walled parts without support structures, potentially leading to part failure during assembly, transportation, and use. SABIC's new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds outperform incumbent PBT compounds in Df/Dk performance and warpage control, and can reduce attenuation of electromagnetic waves passing through radar covers to help improve image resolution and range. Additionally, they enhance transmission for better image quality and minimize side lobes of the signal beam. Moreover, the new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds provide higher toughness for improved impact resistance and equivalent moisture and chemical resistance compared to current PBT materials.  

Facilitating Laser Welding

Laser welding is a fast and highly efficient automotive process that can accelerate production efficiency. Laser welding of plastic components offers advantages such as producing miniaturized and highly complex parts and eliminating consumables such as adhesives and fasteners. Precise, strong welds can protect sensitive electronics against dust and moisture.   SABIC's LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06I compound for radar front covers features a laser transmission rate exceeding 60%—20% higher than the closest competitor. Customers can potentially increase efficiency rates by utilizing a wide laser window and low laser power. The other new grade—LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06IXP compound—serves as an absorber layer for laser welding.   Jenny Wang, Director, Formulation & Application, APAC, Specialties, said, "Achieving the full potential of automotive radar for assisted and autonomous driving requires improvements in design, performance, and manufacturing efficiency. SABIC continues to pioneer new ground in materials science with the objective of solving our customers' challenges in optimizing ADAS designs. Our new glass-filled PBT compounds contribute by supporting adoption of new technologies such as mmWave radar with enhanced properties."