Thinsulate is a compact, lightweight material made
by 3M and used in cold-weather clothing. A portmanteau of "thin insulation", it
contains fine microfibers that trap more air in less space to protect the
wearer from the cold. Since its introduction in 1979, Thinsulate has been used
in boots, hats, gloves, jackets and pants. Now it will be used in hybrid
vehicles, but not to keep the driver and passengers warm. Rather, special
versions of Thinsulate will be used to absorb high-frequency sounds produced by
electric motors and transmissions.
This is not the first automotive application for
Thinsulate. In recent years, carmakers have used the specialty material to
reduce the weight of door and instrument panels, headliners, pillars, and wheel
wells. As Abs Master, head of 3M's European Automotive Acoustics Group
explains, "integrating the material into vehicles is straightforward. Thinsulate
comes die-cut with slits so that it folds and conforms easily around the contours
of the vehicle."
When used in place of mixed-fiber mats and foams, Thinsulate can reduce
acoustic material mass by up to 40%. As EV automakers like Honda and Toyota
seek additional weight reductions to cut fuel consumption, will the U.S. auto
industry choose Thinsulate, too?
Sources: Industry
Today and 3M
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